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TCO Reviewer: Erin

Wild Warrior (The Weavers Circle #2) by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott: RDB, Excerpt, Release Day Review *2 and Giveaway

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Baer Manning

What happens when Baer spills his big secret about monsters and magic to a total stranger?

Chaos.

In Baer’s defense, he really thought Wiley was a lost brother.

This case of mistaken identity forces the cute artist to stay at the plantation house for his own protection while they search for a way to take down a witch.

Wiley Stuart

He never should have gotten in Baer’s Jeep.

But in Wiley’s defense, Baer is really sexy. And funny. And so sweet. And did he mention sexy?

All his life he’d dreamed of superheroes and a life of action. He just never expected to find himself swept up into a world filled with monsters and goddesses.

Wiley will do anything to stay with this magical band of brothers and help them with their fight. He just wished he could be Baer’s soul mate.

Wild Warrior is the second book in the Weavers Circle series. It includes fast-paced action, running through Savannah, secrets, swimming pool fun, shapeshifting, an elephant, sexy times, lots of snakes, insecurity, three crazy old ladies, and magic!

Title:  Wild Warrior

Series: The Weavers Circle #2

Author: Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott

Publisher: Drake & Elliott Publishing LLC

Release Date: August 7, 2020

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 106,000

Genre: Romance, Fantasy

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Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

There were about five people ahead of Baer in line—all of them staring at their phones or the shiny glass case of a tantalizing rainbow of doughnuts and pastries. Including the sexy blond Mini Cooper owner who was right in front of Baer in line. While Baer was a relatively average height of five ten, the blond was at least a delicate five seven or maybe five eight. The guy looked up from his phone as Baer stepped up behind him, and he flashed a nervous smile.

“Hey,” he greeted in a slightly husky voice and then flushed some more.

Yeah, this guy was all kinds of adorable.

“Mornin’,” Baer replied. “You ever been here before?”

The man shook his head, shoving his phone into his pocket. “No. It was recommended to me recently. When I woke up this morning, I just had to have doughnuts.” He gave a nervous little laugh. “I guess that’s the result of nonstop marketing at its best. It’s fall, so we’ve all gotta eat pumpkin-flavored everything for the next month.”

Blondie had the sexiest southern drawl. It wasn’t too thick. Probably a local, but he’d spent some time out of the area. Just enough to lose some of its natural thickness, but those lilting drawls still mesmerized Baer when he spoke, leaving him wondering how his lips and tongue wrapped around each vowel and consonant.

Good grief.  He really did need to grab Grey for a boys’ night out in Savannah if he was going to start fantasizing about a nerdy twink’s mouth. Soul mates and forever sounded great, but it was clear that he needed to get laid. And what better time was there? Things were quiet. They weren’t running and fighting for their lives.

Pumpkin doughnuts and sex could do a growing boy good.

The bell hanging from the front door announced the arrival of another customer. Baer was about to ask the man’s name when the heavy scent of rotting flesh rolled through the room, overpowering the delicious miasma of frosting and fried dough.

Fuck.

He didn’t even need to turn around to know that behind him, pestilents had stepped into the bakery. It wasn’t enough that the alien race was attempting to steal the power of the earth to save their own dying planet while killing all Weavers in the process, but they had to interrupt his attempts at flirting as well? Just not cool.

Silently, Baer cursed himself and his luck. They’d all grown a little complacent over the past couple of months. They’d even started venturing away from the protection of the plantation without backup because the pestilents had stopped attacking.

Apparently they’d gathered enough numbers to make another go at the Weavers, and he’d not been paying enough attention to his surroundings to check to make sure there were no pestilents close. Instead of checking in with the animals in the area that there were no pestilents around, he’d let himself get distracted by big chestnut-brown eyes and a sweet smile.

Twisting around to glance over his shoulder, Baer swore under his breath to find a male and female pestilent standing in front of the door. Humans wouldn’t notice anything different about them, but Weavers could. The air wavered around them as if they radiated heat. And, of course, there was the godawful stench. Pestilents were not meant for this world, and their bodies started rotting from the moment they arrived. Their time in this place was limited, but what time they had was spent trying to kill the Weavers.

The pestilent woman wore a pair of ragged jeans, and her brown hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail, making her angular features seem that much sharper. A feral grin pulled across her thin lips when she spotted him. She lifted the shotgun in her hands to her shoulder and pointed it straight at his chest.

Baer sucked in a breath. Was she really going to open fire in a small building crowded with people? Everyone was going to be killed or injured. Not only one fucking Weaver.

Pivoting on the balls of his feet, Baer wrapped an arm around Blondie’s slender waist and dove over the closest table. A shocked yelp left the man’s lips, but he didn’t fight Baer as they tumbled to the floor. With his free hand, Baer grabbed the edge of the table, pulling it onto its side. They landed with the surprisingly thick wooden barrier at their backs just as the shotgun exploded in the room, slamming into the far side of the table and a scattering of chairs.

You definitely need to read book 1 as this is a continuing story.

We met Baer in book 1 as one of the Weavers. Magical beings that, through reincarnation, have been trying to beat the pestilents- otherworldly beings that are trying to take over earth because their world is dying. Like I said, you have to read book 1.

Baer is the animal weaver. Not only can he hear what animals are “saying” but he can also shift into any animal. It’s really pretty cool. Which is exactly what Wiley thinks when the bakery they are both in is attacked by pestilents (only Baer knows what they are) and Wiley watches him shift into a lion.

Wiley draws comic books for a living, so seeing this happen is like the coolest thing EVER for him. And then when Baer thinks Wiley is another weaver, WIley is practically GIDDY.

Wiley is thrust into this reality of magic and weavers and goddesses and pestilents and is having the time of his life. It’s kind of adorkable how much he loves being in the middle of it all- even without powers.

The pestilents have upped their game though. They have finally thrown something at the Weavers that they can’t seem to beat. They also find another “brother” the Fire Weaver. And they are searching for journals that previous Weavers wrote.

This installment was exciting, fun, sexy, heartbreaking and suspenseful. There was a lot less of the goddesses and more of the Weavers trying to figure out what they are going to do. While waiting for the missing Weavers to make their way to the plantation.

Drake and Elliott have woven (see what I did there?) an intricate world in the age old battle of good and evil. I CANNOT wait for more.

4 pieces of eye candy

I knew I was going to love Baer, I knew it and I was so excited for his book, but let me just tell you, I completely fell in love with Wiley! Lemme tell you why these two are so perfect for each other.

Baer is our shifter weaver, able to tune in with animals, hear their thoughts and speak with them, and he can turn into any one of them, though he hasn’t tried them all yet. He’s compared in the last book, to a bouncy, happy dog, and that’s exactly what his personality feels like to me too. He’s always just so happy and eager to please, I just love him immediately… so when he sees Wiley, a nerdy and cute comic book illustrator at a little donut shop, he thinks that he was led there by Jo (one of the Goddesses/Aunts), and since he feels such an attraction to him, he thinks he’s the group’s fourth weaver, so after saving him from two pestilents that follow him into the shop, he dumps every bit of truth on him and fully thinks that he’s their new brother.

Wiley is thrust into this magical world after a little old lady put an idea in his head that he wants pumpkin donuts… which, ewww, but ya know… whatevs lol After seeing this red-headed hunk in a donut shop, he can’t believe his eyes when the hot guy shifts right in front of him and takes apart these two people with guns…it gets more unbelievable when the guy asks him to come with him, tells him he’s part of their brotherhood, tells him he’ll get powers of his own and tells him everything there is no know about he and his brothers…. And Wiley….is….pumped!

I really felt for him, especially in the beginning because he wanted to belong to this group so bad. He’d always wanted a big family, with brothers and cousins and aunts and uncles, and though he has his grandma, he was lonely…. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out, but he was still so determined to help. And just because he isn’t a Weaver, doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his purpose, and Gray knows it too, even if Baer and Wiley do go back and forth over it so much I wanted to slap them both and yell DON’T YOU SEE??? You’re his soulmate!!….. YES YOU ARE!…… Nooooo, yes, you are! I mean, stop arguing with me in my mind, Baer, I know what I’m talking about!

Anyway….aside from Baer and Wiley and how ridiculously perfect they are for one another, we get to learn more about the guys and their purpose in this one. More pieces come together and things start making sense, and though I’m normally not a paranormal kinda gal, I do not do shifters and magic and ghosts and aliens and whatever else the paranormal world brings… I am absolutely hooked on this story and I never stopped being entertained.

I love the banter between the brothers and they really feel like brothers in this one. Soul brothers or whatever, like they’d known each other their whole lives. They bicker like brothers, they’re loyal like brothers and they’ll lay down and die for each other without hesitation. I love that. And Baer, so fierce and loyal and just so impossible not to love.

We also get a new brother, Lucien, and I cannot wait to know more about him, though I suspect the next story will be Grays with that lead in… I hope so, I cannot wait to see who’s going to be able to tame that broody broody man. It’ll be so hard to top Baer for me though, I just really fell in love with him and Wiley. Everything felt so genuine with them, they meshed so well together and when they finally realize that what they have isnt’ temporary, and they admit their feelings for one another, it feels so real and believable. I LOVE when that happens. Those I love you’s, are deserved in this one. I just swooned all over the place for both of them.

Overall, it was a crazy intense roller coaster full of action, loyalty, love and brotherhood. Honestly, what more could you want? It was perfect. I cannot wait to find out more about Gray! I’ll be over here impatiently but politely waiting for more!

All the stars from me!

5 pieces of eye candy

Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott have teamed up to combine their evil genius to create intense gay romantic suspense stories that have car chases, shoot outs, explosions, scorching hot love scenes, and tender, tear-jerking moments. Their first joint books are in the Unbreakable Bonds series.

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http://drakeandelliott.com/

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Pieces of Us (Missing Pieces Series, Book Three) by N.R. Walker: Excerpt, New Release Review

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Missing Pieces Series, Book Three

As Justin’s recovery moves forward, Dallas dares to hope their lives are settling into their new normal. His money worries have eased, business is picking up, and best of all, Justin now laughs more than he frowns.

Justin’s memory still eludes him, but with each snippet or flashback, small pieces of his old life start to slot into place. He remembers more of Dallas and how perfectly happy their lives used to be, and with each passing day, Justin realises he can have that again.

But when someone from Justin’s past turns up, he discovers that not all the missing pieces are good, and sadly, he and Dallas also learn just what it means to live with a traumatic brain injury.

If Dallas and Justin have to fight for their Happily Ever After, then Dallas will stop at nothing—nothing—to give Justin the life he always wanted.

“. . . as I tried to put the puzzle of myself back together, it was the pieces of us that made me whole.”

Title: Pieces of Us

Author: NR Walker

Series: Missing Pieces, Book 3

Genre: MM Romance

This is the final installment in this series and is not a standalone. Reading further will contain spoilers.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Juss got up from his seat and sat on my lap. I had to pull my chair out a bit so he could fit, but he just sat right down and put his arm around my shoulder, his forehead pressed to mine. “Remember how you said we choose our own family?”

I nodded.

“Well, I’ve chosen mine.” He kissed me soundly. Then he picked up my fork and stabbed some meat and brought it to my lips. “Open wide.”

I laughed and he shoved the fork in my mouth. “You’re gonna feed me?” I asked.

“For all the times you helped me, now it’s your turn.”

He continued to feed me until my plate was empty and he even had some more of his own. It was fun and cute, we laughed a lot, and it had been far too long since we’d done anything fun and cute. The fact that he punctuated every forkful with a kiss made it even better.

He put the fork down and turned his full attention to me. “You know,” he said with a kiss. “I slept a lot today, so I’m not too tired.”

I chuckled because I was pretty sure I knew where he was going with this. “Is that so?”

He kissed me again, a little softer, more playful. “And we did get those test results back.”

I hummed, not too sure if he was up for anything rigorous. “You’re supposed to be on bed rest.”

He smiled. “So take me to bed.”

What a great wrap up to this three book series.

Justin is still in recovery mode from his accident. Dallas is still cheering him on. They get some good financial news that eases everyone’s minds. But just like winning the lottery, people come out of the woodwork with their hands out.

What happened after Justin’s mother showed up was scary. I just couldn’t believe that after everything he had been through, now this. But I also appreciated that there could be BIG set backs with a TBI. Caused by something you would probably never expect.

I will say that I LOVED Dallas’ reaction to Justin’s mother. I had been waiting for some sort of something to get a visceral reaction from him. He was always so calm, happy and encouraging on the outside to Justin and the guys in the shop. He never let anyone see his stress. Really, he needed it.

I also loved that maybe they wouldn’t get the perfect recovery, the perfect ending, all of Justin’s memories flooding back. It just made it all the more real.

Read these books. They are so good. The love that these men have for each other practically makes the pages glow. Obvious research was done into TBI and all of the after effects it can have, both physical and mental.

And because it is in 3 parts, it is very easy to take a break if they become too heavy. But I don’t think that they do.

4 pieces of eye candy

N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things: a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words.

She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things… but likes it even more when they fall in love.

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since…

For more about N.R. Walker you can find her at:

Website

Facebook Readers’ Group

Facebook Author Page

Twitter

Instagram

Amazon

Audible

Bookbub

Email:

nrwalker@nrwalker.net

Stacking the Deck by Charlie Cochet: RDB, Exclusive Excerpt and Release Day Review

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Ex-Special Forces Communications Sergeant Jacopo “Jack” Constantino heads the cybersecurity department at Four Kings Security, working with his tech-savvy team to provide clients with state-of-the-art security systems. But life for Jack is pretty uneventful—despite the exploits with his brothers-in-arms—and he finds himself longing for a little more excitement.

Be careful what you wish for.

Two years ago, Fitz Harlow captured Jack’s heart and walked away with it. Now he’s back.

Fitz spent the last two years picking up the pieces of his life after a disastrous relationship. After much therapy, and ice cream, Fitz leaves the fashion world behind and returns home to St. Augustine to open his own high-end salon, Hair Comes Trouble. Now Fitz finally has the quiet, peaceful life he’s wanted for so long. There’s only one thing missing, or rather, one man missing, but Fitz has his doubts. With Jack, he’s not just gaining a boyfriend—he’s gaining a boyfriend, his family of mischief-magnet ex-Green Berets, and one highly opinionated Belgian Malinois.

Fitz and Jack discover their connection has only grown stronger over time, thanks in part to meddling friends, but just as they start to pick up where they left off, someone takes exception to their reunion. Danger hides in the shadows, a stalker determined to keep Fitz out of Jack’s life, no matter the cost. With the odds stacked against them, can Jack and Fitz win a battle against an unknown enemy, or will Jack lose Fitz forever?

The Kings: Wild Cards series is a spin-off of the Four Kings Security series.

Stacking the Deck by Charlie Cochet

The Kings: Wild Cards, Book 1

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

Six. Zero. One.

Six was the number of times Jack had tried to get out of this damned bachelor auction. Zero was the number of times he’d been successful. One was the number of asses he’d be kicking, namely Ace’s ass.

“Come on, man, you’re going to look smoking hot,” Ace had said over the phone during Jack’s last attempt to back out of tonight’s events. Jack would never admit it, but the tailored charcoal-paisley tuxedo looked good on him. The cut was flattering, accentuating his shoulders and waist. He still felt constricted, though.

“What the fuck!” Joker’s tirade of curses made Jack cringe.

The door to his bathroom slammed open, and Jack almost choked on air. He quickly recovered by coughing into his hand.

Leo chose that moment to walk into the bedroom, holding his bow tie. “Jack, do you have—oh dear.” He spun on his heels the moment he saw Joker and walked back out.

“Oh dear” didn’t begin to cover it.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Joker fumed. “Why do you look all suave and sophisticated, and I look like I’m about to go on a fox hunt through the countryside with the fucking Queen of England!”

Jack tried hard not to laugh. So very hard. Okay, he might not have tried at all. He doubled over laughing until his face hurt and his side cramped.

“I’m going to fucking murder him! I mean, we all knew that one of these days I was going to end up in prison because of him. I just never thought that this”—Joker motioned to his red-and-black Victorian-style suit—“would be what did it. I like Colton, I do, but his fiancé isn’t going to make it to the wedding.”

“Perhaps the tails are a bit much,” Jack said, trying to regain his composure.

“Oh, perhaps? You think? Perhaps thou should kisseth my ass.”

If you are a fan of Charlie Cochet, you probably have read the Four Kings Security books. And you probably wanted to hear more about Jack and Joker. Well step right up. Because first up is Jack.

Jack is the cyber security expert at the company. His toys are electronic in nature and don’t hold bullets. Sometimes he feels less than because he is sitting behind a computer while the other guys are literally risking their lives.

Two years ago, after a job went sideways, Jack ended up comforting Fitz- the hairstylist on the job that went sideways. He was more upset wondering what happened to his best friend, but somehow Jack kept him calm. Poor Jack thought there was a connection there, but then he was ghosted.

But because everyone knows everyone in St Augustine, Florida, he hears about Fitz all of the time because of mutual friends. And Fitz hears about Jack through those same friends. Stoking the embers as it were.

Until a big fundraiser with a bachelor auction (meh, sorry, this is tired) where Fitz wins a date with Jack- after their uber rich mutual friend bid on and won. Something fishy happens- actually two fishies happen- but as it does, it brings Fitz and Jack even closer.

Basically someone is after Fitz because they are stalking Jack. But who? It was a wild ride getting there. Charlie Cochet can definitely write a good action sequence and some exciting times.

The guys from the previous series all feature in this book, of course, but they don’t take the attention away from Jack and Fitz. Actually, I really liked that the humor Ms Cochet is known for was left to the wise guys from previous books and let Jack and Fitz be themselves.

These guys are so sweet together. Jack, being the behind the scenes guy, really is kind of quiet and reserved and he gets to be that with Fitz. And while Fitz is definitely on the flamboyant side, it is never really a thing. Jack likes Fitz just as he is.

Buckle in and let the Kings and the Wild Cards take you on another adventure.

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.

If you’d like to connect with Charlie, just drop her an email at charlie(at)charliecochet(dot)com, or find her on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Connect with Charlie:
Website: https://charliecochet.com/
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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5621569.Charlie_Cochet

Prancing of a Papillon (Fuzzy Love Book 2) by Tara Lain: Exclusive Excerpt, Blog Tour, New Release Review and Giveaway

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Opposites attracting, billionaires getting kidnapped, a Papillon who’s smarter than you are, and near-death at a dog show….

Jericho Jones is giving up on social life. What social life? Six-foot-five and packed with muscles he barely earned, Jericho looks like an alpha top, when he’s actually a gentle bottom who teaches first grade and lives with his hypochondriac mother. When Jericho’s friends, Finn and Em, suggest he accompany Finn to a dog show as the handler for their Papillon, Batshit, he decides, while he might be the world’s least likely Papillon prancer, he’d be grateful for a new experience and a few days away from Mama.

Jericho’s prepared to take dog handling seriously, but he’s not prepared for the pure lust he feels for wealthy dog owner, Brees Apollonia, a guy totally out of Jericho’s league. But Brees’s family issues make Jericho’s look tame – his father wants to marry him to the daughter of a prospective business partner. When Brees starts being followed by unknown guys, he thinks his father’s trying to scare him and uses it as an excuse to be “protected” by big, hunky Jericho. But pretend gets way out of control, and suddenly the only thing between Brees and possible death is a smart dog with big ears, three intrepid women, and gentle wimp, Jericho Jones.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

As the elevator rose, Brees’s finger slid under Jericho’s crotch and tickled his balls through the fabric of his pants. Oh shit, I could come right here. He wanted it to stop. He never wanted it to stop. Dear God, in minutes, Brees Apollonia’s cock would be in his ass. In his life, he’d never wanted anything so much.

The elevator door opened and two people got off.

They closed and opened again in agonizing, throbbing seconds on eleven. Jericho burst out the door like he was shot from a cannon, and Brees was right behind him. They ran to the stairwell, stepped inside, and before he could take a step, Brees grabbed Jericho’s arm, turned him, and dragged Jericho’s head down.

Oh. My. God.

Somehow, in all that, he’d kind of forgotten that he and Brees had never kissed except for that brief peck in the grooming tent. They kissed now.

Brees’s mouth was so hot and so soft. Those two things went together like melted chocolate with butter cream frosting, but Brees was not playing pattycake. He pushed Jericho against the wall and ground out, “Bend your knees.”

Jericho did, and instantly, Brees was on him, their erections grinding together as their mouths devoured each other. They rutted so hard, Jericho knew his suit would be toast. Small sacrifice. But Brees growled, “Bed. Want bed so I can reach you better.”

All Jericho could manage was a head nod, and Brees turned and took off up the stairs. Jericho sucked in breath and ran after him. They made it one full floor, which was two flights of stairs, and started toward the thirteenth floor when Brees held out an arm and stopped Jericho. He put a finger to his lips.

Jericho stopped, gasping from a combination of strain and lust, but finally quieted his breath enough to hear it—soft music and voices coming from above. Music?

Brees was standing one stair up so Jericho could lean into his ear. He spoke super softly. “It has to be the same guys as last night. But seriously, they’re listening to music while they wait for you to show up?”

Brees turned his head. “If they don’t get the fuck out of there, I may play them the Funeral March, just so I can get you in a bed.” He slid his lips a few inches and captured Jericho’s mouth again, his tongue sliding deep.

A fun little caper…

We met Jericho in book 1, although this book totally works as a stand alone. He is the classic teddy bear. Big and tough looking, but really he is far from it. He is a first grade teacher who lives with his mother. Two strikes against him when looking for a boyfriend. With school out for summer, he takes his friends up on the offer to show their dog, Batshit (book 1) in dog shows. Eh, why not, right?

Enter Brees, filthy rich, owns papillon dogs because he loves them and has a professional handler show them. He really is kind of a down to earth guy and is intrigued by Jericho. If only his father hadn’t been insisting he marry a woman for business purposes. And to produce the all important heir.

Brees and Jericho hatch a plan to act like boyfriends so that word gets around that he really is gay and getting married to a woman would look ridiculous. But then there are men following Brees, other random men hitting on Jericho, stairwell plan whispering, etc.

Without giving the whole plot away, Brees ends up in some trouble, Jericho and Batshit discover the trouble, they enlist more help and now we have amateur sleuths working together. With a bunch of show worthy papillons as sidekicks.

It was fun and silly. Brees and Jericho together were hot, but also adorable. I love that Brees- this rich, hot guy who could seemingly have anyone- just adores Jericho for who he is.

This is a good beach read with some silly things (please, authors, “buns” is in no way a sexy way to describe a man’s ass), some hot things and some cute dogs.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Tara Lain believes in happy ever afters – and magic. Same thing. In fact, she says, she doesn’t believe, she knows. Tara shares this passion in her stories that star her unique, charismatic heroes and adventurous heroines. Quarterbacks and cops, werewolves and witches, blue collar or billionaires, Tara’s characters, readers say, love deeply, resolve seemingly insurmountable differences, and ultimately live their lives authentically. After many years living in southern California, Tara, her soulmate honey and her soulmate dog decided they wanted less cars and more trees, prompting a move to Ashland, Oregon where Tara’s creating new stories and loving living in a small town with big culture. Likely a Gryffindor or maybe a Ravensclaw but possessed of Parseltongue, Tara loves animals of all kinds, diversity, open minds, coconut crunch ice cream from Zoeys, and her reader

Connect with Tara:
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To celebrate the release of Prancing of a Papillon, Tara is giving away a $10 Amazon Voucher.

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway HERE

Barely Regal (Rosavia Royals Book 5) by E. Davies: Exclusive Author Interview, Blog Tour, New Release Review and Giveaway

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A bratty boy prince needs: a firm but fair Daddy.

Prince Renford is a royal brat. Nineteen and last in line for the throne, Wren hates his made-up job: Commander of Roses. Good thing his long-time valet has a firm hand—if only Wren could tempt him to break all palace protocol and use it.

Thom Pierce is sixteen years older. Old enough to know he should ignore his prince’s less-than-subtle flirtation. He’s been burned by a higher-ranked boy before. His job and reputation are at stake if the palace catches a scandal unfolding under their noses.

Wren needs the part of Thom that he’s kept locked away for years. If the young prince wants to be taken as seriously as his older brothers, he has to grow up fast. Thom’s rules could help Wren become the man Thom knows he can be in time for the Royal Ball… or they could attract the very attention that forces them apart forever.

Welcome to the tiny European country of Rosavia, where roses ramble over alpine slopes and princes fall for the men of their dreams. Every Rosavia Royals book happens simultaneously, so books can be read on their own, or in any order… but keep an eye out for familiar faces around the palace!

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

How did you become a part of this project/world?

Funny story, actually! The covers came first—they started out as premade covers from our wonderful cover designer, AngstyG. The time zones happened to work out perfectly: I was on vacation and Helen (HJ Welch) was awake late, so we saw them straight away. Helen said, “We HAVE to do an MM royalty shared universe!” and that was it!

We’d already learned how to build a shared world while working together to run Men of Hidden Creek (I herd the cats and set up and Helen cheerleads). So we quickly set about recruiting our shared beta reader, editor, etc, and reaching out to authors as we started collaboratively building the world of Rosavia. This time, we’ve really focused on getting all the authors to beta-read for each other as we wrote so that we could nail as many crossovers as possible. And I’ve also been the main series organizer post-draft-completion, so I feel like I’ve been living in Rosavia since late February! It’s very weird but incredibly exciting to finally share it with the rest of the world.

Where did your story’s inspiration come from?

The title of Barely Regal came to me first; I knew I wanted to write the story of the youngest prince, and as a youngest child myself, I knew that he was going to be a feisty little rebel who hadn’t yet learned the importance of his own duties. Muddy little Renford (or Wren, for short) came to life in a flash. I also knew from the very start that I wanted to write his valet, Thom Pierce, experiencing a conflict of interest between his palace duties and the pull he feels to fulfil Wren’s needs.

Also, on the cover, Wren has mud streaked across his neck. I decided that he’s learning to garden, and that the roses in Rosavia represent each family. Each royal family member has their own rose created for them at birth, so when they marry, another rose is created by crossing the couple’s varieties. Of course, when you’re marrying someone you were never expected to end up with, this creates complications…

How did you create your Prince?

Once I realized that Wren had to be the youngest prince, his bratty, flirtatious nature was obvious. And every brat needs a Daddy! The obvious man for the job was Thom, the quiet valet who has guided and steered him for the last decade. These two just came to life at the same moment, because they’re so made-for-each-other.

I really wanted to tell the story of Wren growing into his duties. Through the course of the story, Wren starts off feeling like he’s not taken seriously. I think last-born kids can relate to that feeling of being babied for too long, and it’s not helped by his own bratty nature! But luckily someone’s there to see what’s immaturity and what’s Wren’s need for a strong guiding hand. Over the story, Wren comes to realize that he’s actually playing an important role in telling the royal family’s story, and his unique talents matter.

Five books by five authors about five different brothers who are part of a monarchy in the fictional country of Rosavia. You’ll see this is book 5, but all 5 books occur simultaneously, culminating with the Royal Ball that is celebrating 500th birthday of the country. So they can be read in any order because they are all happily ever afters and those HEAs are revealed at the end of each book. So book 1 reveals the that yes, prince 5 did in fact end up with his valet.

I’ve read three of the books so far, and this one remains my favorite. I think partly because the characters get into a specific type of relationship, congruent with their romantic relationship, and I think it was well done without being too serious. And really, Wren is just kind of funny. He is 19 and acts 19. Which I think is awesome, even with the monarchy. He is kind of awkward trying to flirt and be sexy with his valet who is not only 16 years older than him, but has also been his valet for a long time. He has seen Wren from a child at his worse to a burgeoning man. And while he tries to stay away, he just can’t.

Add in some crazy cats, blueberry lube, a serious rose garden and very accepting parents, this was a fun book to read. I suspended all belief for this sweet, romantic, sexy fairy tale of a series. You should too.

4 pieces of eye candy

Book 1: Up for Heir By Stella Starling

A playboy heir needs a man to marry, right now.

After spending half his life dodging his duty to the crown, the rebel heir to the Rosavian throne has been told in no uncertain terms that it’s time to settle down. Crown Prince Leopold has one month and a vetted list of suitable princesses, and he will announce his engagement during Rosavia’s Royal Ball. But Leo’s got his own ideas about what really suits him…

Royal Librarian Edvin Blom is good at not attracting attention. Shy and self-conscious of his stutter, he’s used to being overlooked and more than happy to stay in the background. At least, until the crown prince with a wild reputation shows up at the library’s new opening and decides to flirt with Edvin’s sister…

Edvin isn’t at all what Leo thought he wanted, but turns out to be everything he can’t stay away from. Edvin’s been burned by falling for someone out of his league before, though. And believing that Leo has really fallen for him? While Edvin’s drowning in his own doubts and insecurities, that might prove impossible… unless love gives them both a reason to come up for air.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited
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Book 2: Reign or Shine By HJ Welch

A secret prince needs a lost tourist to save.

Prince Cassander is on vacation from his overdeveloped sense of duty. While hiding out as simply ‘Cas’ in the Rosavian capital, he rescues a gorgeous, distressed American tourist. Matty has no idea that Cas is second in line to the throne. And with only two weeks together to explore the sparks between them, he doesn’t need to ever find out.

New Yorker Matty Doyle is a fish out of water, taking care of his niece and mending his broken heart. When Cas rescues him, the handsome stranger coaxes Matty out of his shell and he throws caution to the wind. Nobody knows him here. Would it hurt to live a little for once?

But a prince can’t stay secret in his own country for long. Cas would give anything to protect Matty from reality, but how can this fantasy together continue when they belong in different worlds?

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited
Goodreads | BookBub

 

Book 3: Throne Together By Zoe Dawn

A pining prince needs: a second chance at love.

Prince Julius has only ever wanted one man. Raised alongside Prince Dante of Thedes, the two were inseparable until their unspoken mutual attraction ignited into a single passionate encounter. Convinced that it ruined their friendship, Julius retreated to his duties in Rosavia, where he daydreams of another chance to win Dante’s heart.

After four years apart, fate brings Prince Julius back to Thedes. He offers Dante a coveted invitation: return to the Rosavian palace for ten days, and be his plus-one to the Royal Ball of the century. Before long, they realize one night of passion wasn’t enough, and they can’t imagine losing each other again.

As the clock ticks down to the ball, Julius catches wind of Dante’s family meddling, and he must decide if their feelings are real or if they’ve both been played. Were they always meant for each other, or is it all an illusion that will melt away at midnight?

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited
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Book 4: In His Court by Max Rowan

A spy prince needs a man who sees through his disguise.

Prince Benedict is not what he seems. His image as a lazy playboy is carefully constructed to hide the truth. Trained since childhood to become Rosavia’s top spy, he spends his life in disguise—and danger—to protect his country. Nobody sees the loneliness in his heart.

Felix Wright is a genius with four degrees, no real-world experience, and a top-secret job… and he’s never even been kissed. A lifetime of being alienated for his most valuable assets has left him reluctant to trust the charming prince who thrusts him into fieldwork for the very first time.

When the Crown Jewels are stolen two weeks before the royal ball, it’s their job to save the country’s reputation. Benedict helps Felix believe in himself, while Felix slowly coaxes the real prince out of hiding. But can they find the jewels and rescue the most priceless treasures of all: each other?

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited
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E. Davies grew up moving constantly, which taught him what people have in common, the ways relationships are formed, and the dangers of “miscellaneous” boxes. As a young gay author, Ed prefers to tell feel-good stories that are brimming with hope.

He writes full-time, goes on long nature walks, tries to fill his passport, drinks piña coladas on the beach, flees from cute guys, coos over fuzzy animals (especially bees), and is liable to tilt his head and click his tongue if you don’t use your turn signal.

E. Davies Links:

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Stella Starling Links:
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HJ Welch/Helen Juliet Links:
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Zoe Dawn Links:
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Max Rowan (formerly Max Hawthorn) Links:
Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | BookBub

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall: New Release Review

by

Wanted:
One (fake) boyfriend
Practically perfect in every way

Luc O’Donnell is tangentially—and reluctantly—famous. His rock star parents split when he was young, and the father he’s never met spent the next twenty years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad’s making a comeback, Luc’s back in the public eye, and one compromising photo is enough to ruin everything.

To clean up his image, Luc has to find a nice, normal relationship…and Oliver Blackwood is as nice and normal as they come. He’s a barrister, an ethical vegetarian, and he’s never inspired a moment of scandal in his life. In other words: perfect boyfriend material. Unfortunately apart from being gay, single, and really, really in need of a date for a big event, Luc and Oliver have nothing in common. So they strike a deal to be publicity-friendly (fake) boyfriends until the dust has settled. Then they can go their separate ways and pretend it never happened.

But the thing about fake-dating is that it can feel a lot like real-dating. And that’s when you get used to someone. Start falling for them. Don’t ever want to let them go.

Amazon

I’ve read a few of Alexis Hall’s books. Gritty, angsty, well written stories. So when this came up, it definitely seemed out of the norm, but hey- branch out, right?

Oh boy. Nope. Go back. Go back to gritty and angsty.

We have Luc. Son of two 80’s rock stars, although his father walked out when Luc was 3 and he hasn’t seen him since. This has turned Luc into a bitter person. And apparently a giant jerk and something happened in his young adulthood that led to him being black listed and the only job he could get was as a fundraiser for an obscure charity to save dung beetles. I don’t know how a disgraced, blacklisted person gets a job leading a fundraising charge. But whatever.

Because of whatever happened in the past, he is plagued by paparazzi catching him at inopportune times and making it look way worse than it is. The latest shot caught him tripping outside of a club, but made it out that he was wasted and passed out in the gutter. People start pulling their donations because he is unsavory. So to try to save his reputation, and the donations to the charity, he decides to get a fake boyfriend to last just through the big fundraising ball.

Enter Oliver. Friend of a friend whom he has met previously. The mutual friend had been trying to get them together because “you are the only 2 gay men I know!”. Ya, not the type of friend I would want to have. In fact, all of Luc’s friends kind of seemed like jerks. They basically tell Luc all the time what a loser and jerk HE is, but they are still friends with him. And he is all “oh, thank you for still being friends with me even though I am a jerk and loser.”

So the fake boyfriend thing is set up. And even though of course no one is supposed to know they are fake boyfriends, so many people do. The two complete idiots that Luc works for. No seriously, IDIOTS. And who talks that way? “Right so old girl”. Really? The way he spoke (and his fiance, who may or may not be his fiance because they are TOO STUPID to remember if they are engaged or not) was a stereotypical mockery of uptight British people.

OH! And Luc’s father shows up out of the blue because he has cancer. And Luc’s mother encourages him to get to know his father so he tries. But then it turns out his father is the same wanker he always was. And Luc’s mother was all “Ya, I figured. So sorry” (My eyes were bugging out at this point)

Oliver’s friends were EVEN WORSE than Luc’s friends. He is obviously the “token gay” because it is good to have a gay in your circle. They were horrid!

Oliver’s parents and brother were equally horrid! No wonder the man feels unlovable.

Now onto the fake relationship that of course turns real. It was pretty cute. I liked how there was no kissing, but touching, etc were negotiated. They were obviously both crushing on each other but didn’t say anything because of their own personal demons. And it seems that Oliver’s demons were worse because he instigated the inevitable break up.

Cue a scene so OBVIOUSLY taken from Notting Hill it was embarrassing. Luc and all of his friends pile into the ONE vehicle owned among them all to drive 5 hours (FIVE HOURS!?) to where Oliver is supposed to be. With them telling Luc how stupid he was the whole time. And then the scene with the front desk clerk at a hotel not giving them any information. And come on!

Can you tell I did not like this book? I seriously did not like this book. Everyone says Luc is a jerk, but really he isn’t and everyone around him is. Oliver thinks he is unlovable because of who he is, but really it is because of the way he is treated. The only side character that didn’t piss me off was Luc’s mother’s best friend Judy.

I’ve read other reviews. I know I am the complete opposite of most of them. Guess what? Don’t care.

2 pieces of eye candy