Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

TCO Reviewer: Erin

The Color Of Summer by Anna Martin: RDB, Release Day Review *2, and Giveaway

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Tattoo artist Max Marshall rushes into his hometown of Sweetwater, West Virginia—and is promptly pulled over for speeding. Max’s luck isn’t all bad, though, because he recognizes the deputy, Tyler Reed, Max’s childhood best friend’s older brother.

Reconnecting with Tyler helps Max settle back in, and it also leads to attraction. But when he tries to explore that connection at the grand opening of his tattoo studio—by kissing Tyler—awkwardness ensues. Max wants more, but has he misread Tyler’s signals?

As a single father raising a six-year-old daughter, Tyler doesn’t have much time to date. He’s ignored his attraction to men for years, but he can’t stop thinking about the kiss he shared with Max. If he can handle the complications of dating in a small town and the possible consequences to his career, this romance could blossom with all the colors of summer.

Length: 71,000 words approx.

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Cover Design: Reese Dante

Amazon

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Cute story, low angst, plus a kid…

Max comes home to Sweetwater, WV (if that doesn’t give you a clue as to the cuteness level) and immediately gets pulled over by his best friend’s older brother. But from there they form a friendship, which Max tests with a kiss. Cue perceived straight boy introspection, worry about job (big manly men cops) and his daughter.

But they decide to forge forward slowly. Tyler because not only is this dating a guy thing new, he hasn’t dated in years. And Max, the proverbial bad boy tattoo artist who doesn’t commit. Well, I think he is supposed to be like that but doesn’t put up much of a fight when he ends up spending tons of time with both Tyler and his daughter.

The writing is a bit stuttery for me. (Yes, making up words again). Although I know this author has a few books under her belt, the writing just isn’t smooth. It was a decent story though. It kind of reminded me of a traditional Harlequin romance. Formulaic, sweet, some sexy scenes, the big drama to bring them closer, the misunderstanding, etc, etc.

There were a few things left hanging, some unresolved tiny plot points. I don’t want to say what they are because you might not even notice.

I’ll call this a good beach read. Easy to pick up and put down, you won’t get lost in the story, but you’ll still be entertained.

3 pieces of eye candy

A tattoo artist and a single dad/cop…. Nuff said.

Max (the tattoo artist) is back in his hometown after his mother suffers a stroke and he wants to be closer to home. I like how close he is with his family, his mom especially. Upon entering town, he gets pulled over by his old friend’s brother, Tyler.

Tyler is the cop (duh) and single dad. Should’ve been swooning my socks off, but his back and forth kind of wore on me. I get with his occupation and him being a single parent, that coming out and even accepting oneself would be a tricky log to hop over… I didn’t begrudge him that, but he didn’t feel confused about it to me, it was just yes I am, no I’m not, but I am, and let’s not bring it up again.

But, I liked these two together and their friendly banter and easy conversation, even from the very beginning was cute and felt real. I’ve never read this author before, but sometimes dialogue gets a little cringy just for filling space I fell like, and I didn’t get any of that from this story… It was low angst and slow moving, … I’m not emotionally confident enough to handle a bunch of drama in my happily ever afters.

I loved Max’s relationship with Juniper, I’m always a sucker for kids in these stories, because I too was a single mom, once upon a time and finding a guy to step in and be great with your kids is tricky and it doesn’t always work, but when a Tyler finds himself in a situation and Max moves in to help him out, I couldn’t help but fall in love with all three of them.

The only thing that really bothered me was Tyler’s view of his sexuality and the back and forth. I hoped he would seem more sure and it wasn’t just a convenience thing, because even though I could tell that they had genuine feelings for each other… and they become this happy family in the end, they didn’t even say I love you…. I kept waiting on it, and it never happened, so it felt unfinished to me. I dunno, maybe I’m being too picky.

Overall, it was a sweet read and cute for anyone like myself who enjoys hot dads, cops or tattoo artists.

3 pieces of eye candy from me

Anna Martin is from a picturesque seaside village in the southwest of England and now lives in the Bristol, a city that embraces her love for the arts. After spending most of her childhood making up stories, she studied English literature at university before attempting to turn her hand as a professional writer.

Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, Anna is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theater (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), going to visit friends in other countries, and reading anything thatís put under her nose.

Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, prereading, and creative ass kicking provided by her best friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept responsibility for anything Anna has written.

https://www.annamartin-fiction.com/

http://www.facebook.com/annamartinfiction

http://www.pinterest.com/annamartinficti/

http://instagram.com/missannamartin

http://www.twitter.com/missannamartin

 

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Prophesy: Book II: The Bringer of Wrath (The King and Alpha Series 2) by A.E. Via: Blog Tour, New Release Review and HUGE Giveaway

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Shifter and Vampire True Mates story.

Alek’s older brother, Justice—the Alpha Zenith—was the first shifter to mate with a vampire in many generations, and it was believed the rare, fated pairing would stop at him. But, it hadn’t. Aleksei ‘Alek’ Volkov was second beta, next in succession to the most powerful shifter in the world. He was proud of his title and he took his duties seriously. It was all he had. Until his true mate literally showed up on his doorstep.

While his brother—the overachiever—excelled at having a vampire as a mate, Alek wasn’t that optimistic he would. He wasn’t averse to love, and he’d often thought of how different his life could’ve turned out if he’d ever experienced the emotion. His life was a mess and he’d worn a mask of stability for a majority of that time, only showing his siblings and pack what they needed to see—a strong Volkov alpha. Not the damaged man he was, with a tortured soul and a rogue wolf.

Alek dropped his heavy head in his hands. Now, for some reason, I’ve been granted a true vampire mate. And not just any vampire. The intimidating Belleron Liatos. Lord High to the King and the leader of his army.

Belleron ‘Bell’ Liatos had come to the states for one reason—his best friend and Vampire King, Chadwick Bentley. He certainly didn’t come to be pounced on by a wolf that could act independently of its master. Not only was his destined cherished a complicated and confused man; but he was also unaware of the powerful presence that lurked in the shadows of his soul. Bell didn’t know he’d be the key to unlocking an exceptional triad that would play a critical role in fulfilling the prophesy.

This story DOES NOT contain or even mention MPREG.
No multiple pairings. No cliffhangers. Ends with a very HFN.

Warning: This book is M/M paranormal: If you DO NOT like alpha men shifting into large wolves, or vampires feeding from their destined beloveds, than this may not be the novel for you.

Length: 87,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Jay Aheer @ Simply Defined Art

Amazon US

Amazon UK

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Prophesy 1 –

Amazon US

Amazon UK

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(Currently only 99c/99p)

I’m not normally the biggest fan of paranormal/shifters/vampires. I mean, I like them usually, but it isn’t the first book I reach for. UNLESS it is by one of my top ten authors. Then gimme!

You absolutely have to read book 1. Do not even attempt to read this without that knowledge.

There is a lot that goes on in this book. A LOT. One of the big goings on is with Alek- the shifter of focus in this story. Honestly, I get it but I was like whaaaa? for a while. Maybe because I don’t read a lot of these types of books. Definitely interesting though.

Belleron (Bell) is his love interest. No surprise there as Alek quite unceremoniously and without warning bit Bell mere moments after seeing him. Even though Bell accepts him as his mate, there is a lot of trust issues there to unpack.

But first! Drama! A rogue coven of vampires in England are trying to take over so as to eventually oust the Vampire King Chadwick Bentley. Who is also Bell’s best friend. Oh and Bell is Wick’s number two man. And Alek is Justice’s number two. And Justice is with Wick. Vampires and shifters! A vampire that also shifts! Oh what a tangled web. This is why you need to read book 1.

While there is a lot going on in the book, there is also a lot of Bell and Alek getting to know and love each other. Even simple things like going fishing for the day or out to the symphony and dinner. Even though it was a nice break from all of the drama, I feel like the Big Bad (Buffy the Vampire Slayer™) was dealt with too cleanly with little pay off.

I was definitely sucked right into this world. When book three comes out, this book will need to be reread because there is that much in there.

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

A.E. Via has been a best-selling author in the beautiful gay romance genre for five years now, but she’s no stranger to MM. She’s been an avid reader of gay lit for over fifteen years before she picked up her laptop to place her own kiss on this genre. She’s also the founder and owner of Via Star Wings Books, having published a couple great new up and coming MM authors.

A.E. has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Virginia Wesleyan College that she used to start her own paralegal firm after she graduated in 2008. She spent five years preparing and filing bankruptcy petitions for struggling blue collar workers who couldn’t afford to file with a lawyer. It was a rewarding and satisfying career… but another path called to her. Writing.

A.E.’s writing embodies everything from hopelessly romantic to adventure, to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.

Now that she’s gotten over her 10 books published hump, she’s kind of known now for her hardcore, play rough and love hard, bad boy, alphas. However, she does like to push herself to step out of her comfort zone, exploring different tropes, but she won’t push herself into a whole other genre. She’s head over heels for gay romance and she has tons of more hot stories to tell.

Be sure to visit Adrienne on her social media pages and subscribe to her newsletter to never miss another release date! Go to A.E. Via’s official website http://authoraevia.com for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peak at upcoming work, free reads, VSWB submissions, and where she’ll appear next.

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Top Secret by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy: New Release Review

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Bestselling authors Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy return with their first Male / Male romance in 3 years.

LobsterShorts, 21. Jock. Secretly a science geek. Hot AF.

LobsterShorts: So. Here goes. For her birthday, my girlfriend wants…a threesome.

SinnerThree: Then you’ve come to the right hookup app.

LobsterShorts: Have you done this sort of thing before? With another guy?

SinnerThree: All the time. I’m an equal opportunity player. You?

LobsterShorts: [crickets!]

SinnerThree, 21. Finance major. Secretly a male dancer. Hot AF.

SinnerThree: Well, I’m down if you are. My life is kind of a mess right now. School, work, family stress. Oh, and I live next door to the most annoying dude in the world. I need the distraction. Are you sure you want this?

LobsterShorts: I might want it a little more than I’m willing to admit.

SinnerThree: Hey, nothing wrong with pushing your boundaries…

LobsterShorts: Tell that to my control-freak father. Anyway. What if this threesome is awkward?

SinnerThree: Then it’s awkward. It’s not like we’ll ever have to see each other again. Right? Just promise you won’t fall in love with me.

LobsterShorts: Now wouldn’t that be life-changing…

Q&A about Top Secret:

Q: Have we met these characters before in another book?
A: No! These guys are brand new, and we can’t wait for you to meet them.

Q: Is this story MM? Or is it a MMF / MFM / menage?
A: This book is MM.

Q: Is this a love triangle story?
A: Not really. You’ll see.

Amazon

Fun, fun, super fun. Enemies to lovers, opposites attract, rich kid/poor kid, frat brothers. Pick a trope, any trope. But they all work. Even though the rich kid is REALLY rich and the poor kid is REALLY poor, I don’t ever see how they could end up in the same frat, but whatevs. It’s fiction. The story isn’t great, but it is good, flirty, sexy hot fun.

Honestly, the beginning before they figure out who each other were was my favorite part. The chatting and cyber sex through a hook up app was super hot. But they also were just 2 guys. It just showed how much people can really hide what they want in front of a person. But behind a screen we are much more outgoing and bold.

After they figure it out there is a lot of push and pull with them. Undeniable chemistry, but they hate each other, right? They really enjoyed all of the chatting, but don’t want to look at each other when they pass on the stairs.

Oh wait! They are also both in the running for president of their frat. Good times.

There was a lot of book before they figure their stuff out and while it was entertaining, I think I would have liked it even more if the last part of the book was made longer to bring them full circle. You’ll get it if you read it.

That is not to say that I don’t think you would like the book. You would. I sure did. Even with a million tropes and quite a few cliches, still worth a read for a low angst book that had a little of everything.

I love when there is a lot of texting or chat conversations between main characters. Especially before they meet face to face. I mean that is so prevalent in real life and I love that it is getting more page time. And I’ve seen it- people developing real connections and feelings with someone that they’ve only “met” online.

3.5 Pieces of Eye Candy

Loved: An Omegaverse Story (Breaking Free Book 8) by A.M. Arthur: New Release Review

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Kell Iverson Cross never imagined he’d find so much joy in his life, and he doesn’t take a single moment for granted. His tireless work championing omega rights have made him a bit of a celebrity across the territory, so when his brother Braun suggests Kell be the first omega to run for public office, Kell doesn’t say no right away. It’s a huge risk to their family, though, and Kell isn’t sure the political statement is worth it. It may be more change than the traditionalist citizens of Sansbury are ready for—especially the ones who’ve already painted a target on Kell’s back.

Demir Higgs is barely staying afloat with both university exams and the upcoming medical school entrance test. Add in spending time with his younger brothers, cultivating his relationship with his two boyfriends, and winning over a grieving ten-year-old? He’s exhausted in the best way, because Demir is happy, healthy and in love with two amazing men—men he isn’t always sure truly need him in their lives.

Brandt Lars’s greatest wish came true when his missing bondmate Oliver and their son Eriq came back into his life. Eriq is still grieving the death of his beloved uncle, and he’s standoffish with Demir. But their family is trying to come together—as well as come out to more of their friends as an alpha/omega/beta triad. But when Oliver’s traditionalist parents refuse to accept Demir and threaten to take Eriq away, Demir can’t help wondering if it’s time for him to back out of their relationship for good…

Settle in for the final full-length installment of the BREAKING FREE series, where an accidental secret, a possible surprise pregnancy, a blast from the past, and an unexpected kidnapping combine to shake up the lives of everyone Kell and Demir know and love. But they’ll survive these challenges and changes the same way they always do: as a united and loving family.

NOTE: This is a non-shifter Omegaverse story with alpha/omega/beta dynamics, heats, knotting, mpreg, and MMM pairings. In this world, omegas are second-class citizens, but they are working toward gaining more civil rights and protections under the law. Series warnings for mentions of past physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. This series is best read in numerical order.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

I’m really kind of sad that this series is ending. I had never read an “omegaverse” book before, but since I will read anything AM Arthur writes, I was all in from book 1. The huge arc finishes up here with book 8. And while this book didn’t technically give us a new romance, it did help solidify the romance between Demir, Brandt and Oliver as well as tie up a few loose ends.

Book 7 brought the three men together. But book 8 follows them as they navigate this relationship. Not only between themselves, but also their friends, family, jobs and conservative society they live in.

There is also a side story of Kell running for mayor as the last one was ousted due to a scandal. What is noteworthy is that Kell is a beta with very few rights- running for mayor will cause an uproar.

The first half of the book was a little slow, but it also wrapped up a bunch of story lines. We got to see the different men and where they were in their lives, knowing that they all got their happily ever afters. After that the focus is really on the “throuple”.

There is a bit of drama that comes about- which also helps bring them together AND wrap up the last little loose end in the whole arc.

The story was really satisfying without being to drawn out. I feel so invested in these guys that I am happy to know that they are all happy.

And apparently we will get to see them again- once their children start dating! Gah! I was there when they were all born! hahahahahaha

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

Gideon (Finding Home Book 3) by Lily Morton: Release Day Review * 2

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Gideon Ramsay is so far in the closet he should be a talking faun.

A talented, mercurial, and often selfish man, Gideon has everything he should want in life. Fame, money, acting awards – he has it all. Everything but honesty. At the advice of his agent, Gideon has concealed his sexuality for years. But it’s starting to get harder to hide, and his increasingly wild behaviour is threatening to destroy his career.

Then he’s laid low by a serious illness and into his life comes Eli Jones. Eli is everything that Gideon can’t understand. He’s sunny tempered, friendly, and optimistic. Even worse, he’s unaffected by grumpiness and sarcasm, which forms ninety percent of Gideon’s body weight. And now Gideon is trapped with him without any recourse to the drugs and alcohol that have previously eased his way through awkward situations.

However, as Gideon gets to know the other man, he finds himself wildly attracted to his lazy smiles and warm, scruffy charm that seem to fill a hole inside Gideon that’s been empty for a long time. Will he give in to this incomprehensible attraction when it could mean the end of everything that he’s worked for?

From the bestselling author of the Mixed Messages series comes a story about a man who needs to realise that being true to yourself is really just a form of finding home.

This is the third book in the Finding Home series but it can be read as a standalone.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

These books are just so fun. All of her books are. This one wraps up this series, with the final friend/brother getting his happily ever after.

Gideon is Milo’s brother. He is also an asshole. An actor since he was 17, he is used to demanding and getting his way, treating people like crap and never forming relationships. Part of that issue is that he is gay and his manager hasn’t let him come out in the over 20 years he has been in the public eye.

And then he meets his match with the nurse hired to help him as he takes a cruise ship back home after being in the hospital with pneumonia.

Eli and Gideon together are amazing. At first Eli is kind of hesitant of Gideon because of his razor sharp tongue. Until he started giving it right back. I adore banter like that in a book. But they also didn’t rely on JUST that witty banter. Being stuck on a cruise ship for seniors, they really got to know each other and honestly became friends.

But it isn’t just his relationship with Eli that grows- but also with his brother Milo and his childhood best friends, Silas and Niall. Watching Gideon realize that people really do love him no matter how acerbic he is is just so awwww…

Gideon went from being a man child to a man confident in himself and the relationships he has with people. But he never loses that wicked tongue.

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

Ahhh, Gideon…

The one that was hardest to love. I can say that I hadn’t liked him at all. Selfish, self-absorbed, self-important, self-indulgent, all the selves… He was entitled and bratty and didn’t really care what he did or who he hurt, as long as it benefited him. He was disgusting and I really didn’t think I’d care to read about him.

But, I haven’t read a Lily Morton story and not loved it, so I wanted to give him a chance. Especially because I could see that he was somewhat remorseful when it came to Niall and Milo. So… I dove in. I was NOT disappointed.

As you should know by now, that Gideon is one of movies biggest actors. Like so many of them, with unlimited money and power that brings, he was spiraling down a dangerous road, not taking care of himself. Drugs, alcohol, random guys… as long as they stayed quiet about his sexuality, he didn’t care about much else but himself. So, when a night of too much of all of that, topped with a nice bout of pneumonia, he nearly dies and ends up in the hospital.

Milo isn’t having it, and takes charge of his wellbeing, especially since Gideon nor his manager seem all that concerned. And let me take a second to warn you about this manager, Frankie. You will hate him. It made me sick to my stomach to think that anyone would let ANYONE treat him the way that Frankie treated him. Gideon was so stuck up to so many people, but Gideon, he let use him, talk down to him, treats him like absolute garbage, and for what?? I didn’t understand. I literally stopped reading so many times, because I hated this Frankie business and the way it was played out. He was outwardly homophobic, outwardly abusive towards Gideon, and nobody did anything about it??? WHY???

So, with a collapsed lung, Gideon can’t fly, so Frankie hires who he thinks is a female nurse to take care of Gideon, but he turns out to be a male nurse. A gay, good-looking male nurse, and since he can’t fly back home, Milo sends them on an oldies cruise to get him back to his place. Days with Gideon and his nurse Eli…. What could go wrong?…. or what could go right?

Eli is a nurse to the stars, mainly old folks, or addicts like Gideon, but he’s often jetting around with them, taking care of them for months until their better and then he’s off to the next location and celebrity. He’s never had a problem not falling for his clients, but the surly, bratty Gideon is different. They challenge each other and it’s fun for Eli to rile Gideon up… and Gideon finds himself someone that doesn’t cater to him and become his Yes Man. He cares about his wellbeing and doesn’t let him get away with things. It’s quite entertaining. Their banter is cute.

When their time is up, they’ve both realized that they’ve got something together, though other than a few kisses, they don’t act on, because Eli is worried about Gideon’s health and wellbeing, and it wouldn’t be right as he was just his employer.

So, they take the time they need to figure things out while keeping in touch, and I liked that Eli wanted Gideon to make sure that he was sure he wanted something with him and it wasn’t out of gratitude or some sort of obligation.

I fell in love with Gideon when he fell in love with Eli. I loved that he let his walls break down and let Eli take care of him in all the ways he was used to taking care of everyone else. I loved the way he worked things out with Milo and Niall, and I loved that he finally booted the hateful manager, though I’d have treated him much worse for all the things he put him through over the years.

Overall though, I just love this series, (and the mention of Asa, from Deal Breaker)…. I loved seeing Oz and Silas, and Milo and Niall… it was such a sweet story and I felt that Gideon turned such a big corner that it was so satisfying to see him by the end.

Loved it!

4 pieces of eye candy from me!

Blood & Bitcoin: Organized Crime (Criminal Delights Book 4 by L.A Witt: New Release Review

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Chris Emmett has a talent for screwing up and landing on his feet. As a SEAL, he managed to evade bullets and court-martials alike. As an FBI agent, he dodged danger and disciplinary action—right up until he didn’t.

With his career and freedom hanging in the balance, he’ll do whatever it takes to clean the slate… including an off-the-books deep cover solo mission.

The objective: infiltrate the Hive, a complex crime syndicate operating on the dark web, and find out who’s trying to kill Piker, the organization’s enigmatic and strangely alluring modern day Mob boss.

The moment he’s pulled into the Hive, Chris enters a world where no one is what they seem, including the man he’s there to protect. Lines blur between moral and wrong, legal and criminal, ally and foe, and—as Piker’s seductive magnetism draws Chris in—straight and queer.

Chris is running out of time to stop a killer. He has dangerous feelings for a dangerous man, and the deeper he moves into the realms of organized crime, the less he knows and the fewer people he can trust.

And that’s before he learns the truth about Piker’s assassin.

This 104,000 word book is part of CRIMINAL DELIGHTS. Each novel can be read as a standalone and contains a dark M/M romance.

Warning: These books are for adult readers who enjoy stories where lines between right and wrong get blurry. High heat, twisted and tantalizing, these are not for the fainthearted.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Me: Oh look! An LA Witt book that will help me understand bitcoin

Reads entire book. Twice. Still doesn’t understand bitcoin. In fact, understands it even less.

Listen, I love LA Witt books. I read all of them that I come across. And I know I haven’t read them all. And utmost respect for this style- intrigue, blurred lines between right and wrong, etc. Maybe I am just not smart enough for this type of book. I literally read it twice to try to understand more of the dark web stuff. But nope.

So, let’s go plot. It is very very plot heavy. There are a lot of characters. Hard to say who is a good guy and who is a bad guy, what they are doing, why, end goals, etc. So if you love jumping into a plot heavy book filled with intrigue- this is absolutely it for you. But I felt like I should be taking notes.

There was no romance. There was flirting and sex (and one scene of M/F sex, fyi) and hot but romance? Not at all.

It kind of reminded me of a James Bond or Mission Impossible. Which I like on screen. And admittedly I don’t always 100% grasp the complicated story lines.

Wow, I really am smarter than I am making myself out to be! I promise!

So here’s this- if this type of book is your jam- you are going to love it. If you are looking for a sexy romance, maybe look elsewhere. Or give it a shot. It is certainly well written and detail heavy. Although the one detail from the beginning is rarely brought up again which I thought odd.

Now I’m rambling. Enjoy.

3.5 Pieces of Eye Candy