Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

TCO Reviewer: Erin

Snow Storm (Haven Hart book 5) by Davidson King: Exclusive Excerpt, Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

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The city of Haven Hart rests under the heel of Christopher Manos. He reigns over the most dangerous and deadliest citizens as the most powerful crime boss the city has seen in generations. Yet, for the last five years, the harshest edges of his nature have been tempered by the loving devotion of his husband, Snow, and the nephew Christopher adores like a son. His life is a balance of darkness and light until a birthday trip for his nephew, Simon, is interrupted by a hail of bullets and explosions, threatening to destroy it all.

Snow has found a home, a family, and the love of one of Haven Hart’s most powerful men. When Christopher and Simon are kidnapped, Snow risks everything to find his family. Utilizing specialized skills he learned on the streets and the finer points of running a city from his crime boss husband, Snow takes on roles he never dreamed he would–protector, leader, and avenger. No one threatens his family and lives. Experienced enough to know he can’t do this alone, Snow calls in every favor he is owed, risking his life promising favors in return, all to save his family and the man he loves.

The sins of the Manos crime family are escaping the dark recesses of the past and threatening the bright future of everything Snow and Christopher have built. Yet, even with the help of some unlikely and uniquely dangerous people, Snow finds himself wondering if their efforts will be enough to save the two most important people in his life. Will the loving family Snow has finally found be taken from him forever?

SNOW STORM

Haven Hart Series Book 5

Davidson King

M/M Contemporary/Action/Suspense Romance

Page Count: 225

Release Date: 03.20.19

Cover Design: Morningstar Ashley @ Designs by Morningstar

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Christopher

I didn’t go on many trips for my business, but when I did, it was only for a night. When we’d gone up north to keep Snow and my family safe, we’d been together. Leaving Snow behind this time felt all wrong. Of course, when I mentioned it to him, he rolled his eyes, lightly slapped my chest, and told me to relax, he had Bill and like seventy other people watching over him. When it came to Simon, it was a different story.

“Do you have your allergy medicine, hypoallergenic pillow, and bug spray?”

Simon chuckled. “Yes, because you packed it all and then you checked my bag a hundred times.”

“Okay, well, if you forgot anything, I’ll send someone up to bring it. Don’t hesitate to call me.” Snow pressed his hands against Simon’s cheeks, making him look like a fish.

“Babe, we won’t have reception, but I have a satellite phone in the car. Don’t worry about him.”

He smiled and gave me a strong hug. “Be good, you. No murder.”

This earned a laugh from Frank and Jerry, who were waiting by the front door. “None, I promise.”

He nodded and shooed us out the door. “Remember, if a bear comes toward you, assume the fetal position and pretend to be a baby!” he shouted right before the door shut.

Fun, fun, fun. Fast paced, exciting, and hot.

I’m going to start with the meh. I kind of hate how many people die and it’s like “well, they knew what they were signing up for”. Why do I care about this in books but not movies? They could kill everyone in a movie and I’m like, whatev. I guess it shows how much more invested I am in books and the characters there.

Ok, on to the good stuff. We are back to Chris and Snow! You love Snow. You know you do.

Christoper is kidnapped! WHA??? The all mighty mob boss got himself and his nephew snatched. And while it seemed to be super professional, the expertise dwindled quickly from there.

The story moved well and never got boring. Chris never lost his…”Chris-ness” even though he was being held against his will, threatened, his nephew threatened, his very empire threatened. Note to self: don’t piss off Christoper Manos.

I, once again, absolutely adored Snow. His backbone of steel in the face of possibly losing his husband and nephew he thinks of as a son. He definitely learned a thing or two from Chris, whether he wants to admit it or not.

We get to see just about everyone in the Haven Hart universe at least briefly. Most importantly Black and his merry band of assassins. But it is Poe who breaks or heart. I am dying to finally hear his entire story. He absolutely killed me and broke my heart with just a few words.

So give me more! Please give me Poe. Don’t make me wait. I NEED IT!

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

 

Davidson King, always had a hope that someday her daydreams would become real-life stories. As a child, you would often find her in her own world, thinking up the most insane situations. It may have taken her awhile, but she made her dream come true with her first published work, Snow Falling.

When she’s not writing you can find her blogging away on Diverse Reader, her review and promotional site. She managed to wrangle herself a husband who matched her crazy and they hatched three wonderful children.

If you were to ask her what gave her the courage to finally publish, she’d tell you it was her amazing family and friends. Support is vital in all things and when you’re afraid of your dreams, it will be your cheering section that will lift you up.

Links

Website: https://www.davidsonking.com

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DavidsonKingsCourt/

Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/DavidsonKingAuthor/

Personal Page: https://www.facebook.com/DiverseReader

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidsonkingauthor/?hl=en

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YztgRD

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/davidson-king

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17286464.Davidson_King

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidsonKing11


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Dirty Laundry (Tucker Springs Book 3) by Heidi Cullinan: Release Day Review

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Sometimes you have to get dirty to come clean.

When muscle-bound Denver Rogers effortlessly dispatches the frat boys harassing grad student Adam Ellery at the Tucker Springs laundromat, Adam’s thank-you turns into impromptu sex over the laundry table. The problem comes when they exchange numbers. What if Adam wants to meet again and discovers Denver is a high-school dropout with a learning disability who works as a bouncer at a local gay bar? Or what if Denver calls Adam only to learn while he might be brilliant in the lab, outside of it he has crippling social anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Either way, neither of them can shake the memory of their laundromat encounter. Despite their fears of what the other might think, they can only remember how good the other one feels. The more they get together, the kinkier things become. They’re both a little bent, but in just the right ways.

Maybe the secret to staying together isn’t to keep things clean and proper. Maybe it’s best to keep their laundry just a little bit dirty.

First Edition published by Riptide Publishing, January 2013.

Tilte: Dirty Laundry
Series: Tucker Springs: Book 3
Author: Heidi Cullinan
Release Date: March 29, 2019
Category: Contemporary, BDSM
Pages: 199

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

I really enjoyed these Tucker Springs books the first time around. I love that they are all getting re-edited and re-released. Expanded scenes and a better edit for this one I am told.

Dirty Laundry is dirty. In the best way.

Both of these guys just tugged at my heart strings. Denver because of his past, Adam because of his past, and honestly his present. Denver is definitely the more well adjusted, but he also doesn’t have OCD or anxiety like Adam.

The way Denver just so naturally looked out for Adam, was so aware of his limitations without making a big deal about them was so enlightening to read. Especially after what happened in Adam’s last relationship. And the ex that won’t go away.

There is definitely some BDSM play in this book, so if that isn’t your thing, now you know. But seriously, this is my favorite version of BDSM. No contracts, no big boundary pushing, no elaborate scenes. Just one guy taking control because he needs it and one guy giving up control. Because that is what he needs-even if he didn’t realize it at first.

The author did an awesome job of representing OCD and anxiety and how it affects this character. And how it is different for everyone. I really expected nothing less from her as I have read most of her books and her representation is spot on.

I loved this opposites attract/BDSM/geek love book. Such a fun read that had a little bit of angst due to a jerk of an exboyfriend, but mostly it was just sweet. Part of the Tucker Springs world-in case you didn’t know, it is a fictional town in Colorado where a bunch of books take place. Characters are interwoven, but the books are by different authors. Although I think 2 books are by one author. But still. Super fun.

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

Rex (Walkers of Coyote Ridge Book 6) by Nicole Edwards: Release Day Review

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Whether it was due to lack of funds, lack of desire, or one lame excuse after another, Rex Sharpe has managed to ignore the one and only dream he’s ever had: turning his family’s dilapidated old farmhouse into a bed and breakfast. Until now. When his cousin Travis Walker decides to invest in a venture that will help revitalize the small town of Coyote Ridge, Rex knows it’s time to put up or shut up.

They say third time’s a charm, right? Jack Cunningham learns that’s not always true. When his world is unexpectedly tipped on its axis, Jack does what he does best. He runs. Only this time, he doesn’t get far. A one-night encounter with a sexy cowboy has Jack’s already topsy-turvy world spinning even more, and he soon learns, it’s only the beginning.

Amazon

I read quite a few Nicole Edwards books back in the day. Now that I pretty strictly read MM, I read Ethan a few years ago and Beau last year. I enjoyed Ethan, Beau was ok. But this one was really, meh. I was bored.

The first three chapters are just first, Rex trying to talk himself into something, then the next is Jack trying to talk himself into something and then Rex again. Rex was trying to convince himself to work on his dream project. Turning his generational family home into a bed and breakfast. Not for nothing, but if you have had this dream since you were 13, probably you wouldn’t have to talk yourself into it.

Jack is trying to convince himself to go inside his apartment. Where fiance number 3 is. But he doesn’t want to. He should have listened to himself.

Jack and Rex meet at a bar. Cliche. Jack gets wasted and Rex drives him- a complete stranger- back to his hotel. But don’t worry, Rex would never take advantage of a drunk straight guy! He will let him nap for an hour or so first. *eye roll*

And now because there aren’t any hotel rooms anywhere around him, Jack ends up in Rex’s spare bedroom. Uh huh.

Have hot sex- walk away and ignore it. Flirt heavily- then turn a cold shoulder. Get in a big fight- hide in your room.

I really, really hate to say this. But the dynamic between Jack and Rex was much like that of het couples in traditional romances I won’t read anymore. Because of all of this bs.

I felt no connection, no chemistry between them. Boring.

Besides the completely unbelievable happenings of a huge influx of money from family investors into a B&B that has no business plan at all.

Rex has trauma from his past. Because of that trauma, the town shunned him and his brother. His brother left when he was 18, but Rex stuck around. Because B&B dreams. (And Rex is one of the least likely guys to seem to want to open a B&B, but whatevs). But he doesn’t seem to have any issues with nosy townspeople now.

I made it to the end. Barely. I don’t know if I could read another by this author. Honestly, I think she should stick with MF romances.

2.5 Pieces of Eye Candy 

Wicked Games (Queen City Rogues Series, Book 2) by Aimee Nicole Walker: Blog Tour, Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

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Ryder Jameson and Lucien Clarke have a complicated past: Ryder conserves art; Lucien steals it. Their love-hate relationship spans six years and two continents and has endured multiple heists. Hoping to restore his tarnished reputation, Ryder returns home to Cincinnati to accept a position at an acclaimed museum. When Lucien suddenly reappears in Ryder’s life, the treasure seeker hopes to nab a priceless Shang Dynasty artifact and recapture Ryder’s jilted heart.

Something more sinister than stolen art is stirring in the Queen City. Ryder and Lucien must join forces to untangle a web of secrets, lies, and treachery bigger than either of them expected. Trust won’t come easy, but they’ll need to rely on each other because pulling the wrong thread could have deadly consequences.

Is it fate that keeps bringing Ryder and Lucien together, or are they merely pawns in someone’s wicked games? Will they play for keeps this time or become collateral damage?

Wicked Games is a second-chance romance filled with passion, humor, and intrigue. It’s the second book in the Queen City Rogues series but can be read on its own. Wicked Games contains mature sexual content intended for readers 18 and older.

Wicked Games

Queen City Rogues Series, Book 2

Aimee Nicole Walker

M/M Romance/Suspense

Release Date: 03.11.19

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

 

Ryder said nothing else until we arrived at the hotel. “Really? You’re staying inside a museum? Talk about irony. Do you steal the towels and robes from the luxury hotels before you scurry out of town? Is your urbane polish nothing but a veneer?”

Ryder knew fully well the ways my inner beast and baser needs could make a person forget all about the polish that had initially caught their attention. I’d never felt bad about using my looks, charisma, or my body to get what I wanted until I met Ryder. Then each day became one regret after the other until my life was nothing more than a cold existence. I recognized the same loneliness when I looked into Ryder’s stunning blue eyes. I couldn’t remember a time when I hated myself more.

“Come on,” Ryder said irritably. “I have things I need to do this evening.”

Rage and lust were such a heady combination, and it was all I could do to keep from pushing Ryder up against the lift wall and giving him the reunion we both so badly wanted. I didn’t speak to him, and I kept my hands in my pockets to prevent myself from reaching for him until we arrived at my hotel room. Don’t cross the line again. You’ve caused him enough pain.

“Are we doing this or not?” Ryder challenged when my hesitance became obvious.

The title of this book immediately makes me start singing Chris Isaak in my head. And if you don’t know what I am talking about I wonder if you are old enough to read these smexy books. Hmmm?

Disclaimer that this book is part of a series, which is a spin off of a larger series. But this one is the most stand alone of all of them. But they are all fun reads.

Back to the book.

Ryder goes back to his hometown of Cincinnati with his tail between his legs a bit after being fired from two jobs after artwork goes missing. With his mother on the board and an opening available for an art restoration specialist, Ryder takes the job.

But he can’t stop thinking about Sebastian. The man he pretty much fell in love with and then disappeared. Twice. Coincidence? Probably not. But then- Lucien, FKA as Sebastian, shows his face again. And a piece of art goes missing. AGAIN!

We find out Lucien’s true purpose and why he does what he does. And you actually feel badly for the guy. The guy who lied to and left poor Ryder high and dry TWICE!

Enter Lucien’s associates, boss and nemesis. All of the side characters were super fun and great additions to the story. Most of them band together to figure out who done it and why.

Lucien and Ryder have great chemistry. Even when Ryder “hates” Lucien. They simply cannot resist each other. It’s kind of funny and cute when Ryder tries to.

This was a fun romp with some interesting twists and turns and one gut punch. I gasped out loud.

Even though the story line is more serious, it really isn’t angsty and Aimee Nicole Walker is always good at injecting a bit of humor at the right time.

4 pieces of eye candy

Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day. I’d love to hear from you.

FACEBOOK

AMAZON

TWITTER

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Viper (Fallen Angel Book 2) by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine: Release Day Review

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Scorching chemistry. Red-hot lyrics. An irresistible bad boy.
Halo, the new lead singer for Fallen Angel, never stood a chance against Viper, the legendary lead guitarist for the band.

From the moment Halo set foot in Viper’s lair, the match was lit, threatening to consume the two men with the heat of their desire. But when their casual flings begins to morph into more, will it leave the entire band in flames?

After all, it may have been Halo who fell from grace, but it’s only a matter of time before Viper falls for an angel.

VIPER is the second book of the Fallen Angel Series and should be read following HALO. Halo and Viper’s story concludes in book three, ANGEL.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Let me tell ya something. These two, Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine, have probably the hottest covers in all the land. Whether they are co-authoring or not. You know what else they can do? Write a really hot book. *fans self*

Book one we got to know almost everyone (save for the elusive Trent who abandoned the group). The formula was a bit too much like “Try”, but I still enjoyed it. Let’s be honest. Hot rock stars? Ok, yes please.

This next installment definitely did not remind me of the “Try” series. And I absolutely love that they are releasing the books so close together. I have a shit memory, so fast releases help me.

This book picks up right where we left off. They guys are in Florida to make an album. But now Halo absolutely cannot resist Viper. Halo thinks they are being sly, but they aren’t. Viper really doesn’t care if the other guys know or not. But he doesn’t want it in public because he wants Halo to be huge. And he feels like if he comes out as in a relationship- let alone with a man- he will alienate the fans.

But they are in their cozy compound in Florida where everything is perfect. Until they head back to New York.

Learning to navigate the real world again, Halo starting to realize what being famous entails. Back to people who know them and hiding their sexy fun times. And they are super sexy fun times.

We get a little more info on Trent, but not a ton. And I am not going to spoil anything.

And the ending. OMG THE ENDING!!!!!!!! Seriously. Such a great ending which doesn’t leave you hanging, but still leaves you wanting more.

So yes, BRING ON ANGEL!

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

Upside Down by N.R. Walker: Blog Tour and New Release Review

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Jordan O’Neill isn’t a fan of labels, considering he has a few. Gay, geek, a librarian, socially awkward, a nervous rambler, an introvert, an outsider. The last thing he needs is one more. But he when he realises adding the label ‘asexual’ might explain a lot, it turns his world upside down.

Hennessy Lang moved to Surry Hills after splitting with his boyfriend. His being asexual had seen the end of a lot of his romances, but he’s determined to stay true to himself. Leaving his North Shore support group behind, he starts his own in Surry Hills, where he meets first-time-attendee Jordan.

A little bewildered and scared, but completely adorable, Hennessy is struck by this guy who’s trying to find where he belongs. Maybe Hennessy can convince Jordan that his world hasn’t been turned upside down at all, but maybe it’s now—for the first time in his life—the right way up.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Loved it. So much.

N.R. Walker continues to amaze me in her ability to write completely different stories all of the time. This time we get two asexual main characters. And it is hilarious. HILARIOUS. Laugh out loud in bed funny.

Ok, let’s back it on up for a sec. First of all, one of the main characters is a librarian. Which is awesome. And his best friend is also a librarian. Also awesome. Underlying everything in the book there is a quiet theme of telling us how awesome libraries are and that they aren’t just for checking out the latest best seller for free. YAY! Libraries!

Jordan, the librarian, is adorable. And so, so funny. His funny isn’t forced at all. It is just totally natural and it sucks you right in. But he is also grappling with the fact that he may be asexual. Grappling only because he doesn’t want another label. Even though that label could very well help him understand himself and his complete disinterest in sex. But he is still gay. And he still likes men. In fact, he has a bit of a crush on a guy on the bus he takes home from work everyday. He just doesn’t want to have sex with him.

Hennesey is a great character in his own right. He isn’t just there to listen to Jordan be funny. If that makes sense. You can picture him smiling and watching Jordan as he goes on one of his rambles. Besides being the “headphones guy” on the bus that Jordan crushes on, he also runs the Asexual support group that Jordan’s best friend convinces him to go to.

Because both Jordan and Hennesey are asexual, there is no sex in this book. None. Zero, zip, zilch. Instead of dealing with the “sexual tension” while a couple gets to know each other, they get to know each other. There is nothing in the way. No finish line as it were. They are there to know each other, to see how they are as a couple. And the way they do it is just adorable.

Because Jordan is coming to terms with being asexual, there is a lot of explanation of what exactly asexual is. And how it is different for everyone.

I could go on and on. I stayed up past my bed time to finish this book. I could seriously go back to the first page and read it again immediately. It is going in my “read again” folder on my kindle.

So, ya. Read it. Love it.

4.75 Pieces of Candy