TCO Reviewer: Erin

Private Charter by N. R. Walker: New Release Review

August 31, 2018 by Denise

Stuart Jenner’s job is high stress, high stakes, and everything he’s strived for. So why, when the apex of his career is within reach, does he stumble? At his doctor’s insistence, he books a privately chartered yacht to sail around the Whitsundays for two weeks of sun, surf, and sex. When his friend-with-benefits bails on him at the last minute, Stuart decides to go alone.

Foster Knight left the rat race behind six years ago, bought a yacht, and now calls the Great Barrier Reef his home. Sailing tourists around tropical waters is all in a day’s work, and he’s never been happier. When his next client arrives alone, the two-week charter will be the most private job he’s ever had.

Foster can see how stressed and exhausted Stuart is, and he promises him extensive rest and relaxation. Stuart slowly realises his original plan for two weeks of sun, surf, and sex might not be lost yet. Confined to a yacht, isolated by aqua-coloured oceans and the sweltering sun, Stuart and Foster are about to find out just how hot the tropics can get.

Tagline:
Just how hot can the tropics get?

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

I am a big fan of NR Walker, as are a lot of readers. And rightly so. Yet I will admit that this blurb gave me just the tiniest of pauses. Two characters, alone, on a boat for 2 weeks? I was afraid of it being either really boring or really repetitive. It was neither.

The book jumped right into the story. I think the first chapter was about the one day leading up to his vacation and why he needed it so badly. And why he ultimately went alone. No wasting endless chapters watching this guy fall apart plodding away at a job that was killing him. Refreshing.

Although Stuart- the guy on vacation- pretty much jumped right in with the flirting, Foster- the yacht captain/owner- was hesitant. For a lot of reasons, but the biggest was fraternizing with a client. He finally gave in with a little help from everyone’s friend tequilla.

From there the sex ramped up quickly, but so did the relationship. The men really getting to know each other. And how could they not when they were the only two there?

There was substance as well. Discussing the coral reefs and the damage they have incurred, learning about a lot of the outlying islands of Australia and of course, Foster tried teaching Stuart about sailing. So while I wouldn’t trust me sailing a boat, I can probably pretty confidently answer a few questions on Jeopardy the next time sailing is a category.

And without spoilers, because I just don’t do that, I loved the ending. And the epilogue.

A solid read with plenty of sex and a bit of romance, you absolutely will enjoy this book.

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…

Contact N.R. Walker

Email:

nrwalker@nrwalker.net

* Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review – nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. *

Confessions: Priest by Ella Frank: Blog Tour, Excerpt and New Release Review

August 21, 2018 by Denise

I am complex.

My love is all-encompassing.

And when it comes to my heart, there is only one rule:

Don’t mess with what’s mine.

Until the age of seven, I was Joel Alexander Donovan, son of Jimmy.

The man who terrorized a town and made its citizens fear

the very ground he walked on. Including me, the day I realized that ground ran red with blood.

At age eighteen, I became Priest.

A man without a past.

A man determined to right the wrongs of my father.

A man who never believed anyone could love the son of such a monster.

But then a thief stole my heart.

A sweetheart lit up my world.

And I forgot for a moment you should never turn your back on your enemy.

And thus begins a lesson to those who would seek to harm: Never underestimate what the Priest will do to protect the Princess and the Prick.

Amazon US

Amazon Worldwide

GoodReads

Amazon US

Amazon Worldwide

CHAPTER ONE

CONFESSION

My name is not Joel Priestley.

My name is Joel Alexander Donovan.

And a long time ago, I was taught that things aren’t always what they appear to be—and neither are people.

JOEL PRIESTLEY, A.K.A Priest, sat behind the wheel of his Aston Martin with his hands at the ten and two positions and his seatbelt fastened. He’d been sitting like that for the past thirty minutes or so. Ever since he’d pulled the vehicle into its designated parking spot alongside his and Julien’s—his husband’s—black Range Rover.

Sinatra had been keeping him company, as Priest tried to block out the phone call he’d made back in his office to Henri. But no matter how loud he played the charismatic crooner, nothing seemed to lessen the impact of Henri’s words and the way they had made Priest’s stomach coil.

“Nice to know you can at least follow an order if it’s to keep those you love safe… Be careful; keep an eye out…”

And that was what he’d been doing for the past thirty minutes or so. Sitting in his car, with his eyes trained on the rearview and side mirrors, as his paranoia over what used to only exist in the shadows began to slowly creep back out into the light of day.

Priest gritted his teeth and reminded himself that Jimmy wasn’t out of prison just yet and likely wouldn’t be for some time. He wasn’t about to appear out of thin air to exact absolution for what he believed was Priest’s biggest crime—abandonment. But that didn’t mean Jimmy hadn’t reached out to the others to find him. To track down the son who had turned his back on his family if, and when, he walked free.

Priest cursed and slammed the heel of his palm against the steering wheel, then he reached for the seatbelt’s release, and as it retracted across his chest, he reached up and shoved it off his shoulder where it caught. As it snapped into place, Priest pulled the handle of the door and got out of the car. He needed to get upstairs. To get inside a locked lobby, where a security guard walked the halls, and his condo had a deadbolt on the front door. It was one of the main reasons he’d been interested in Logan’s place to begin with. The additional barriers between him and those he loved—and anyone who may want to hurt them.

Julien had already texted to let Priest know he and Robbie arrived home safely. But as of yet, Priest hadn’t heard anything from Robbie, their boyfriend. Not that he’d expected to. The last image Priest had of their princess was an ashen face and betrayal in those usually bright blue eyes, and Christ, Priest wished he could erase that picture from his mind.

The three of them had been making such headway lately. They had moved past the getting-to-know-you, comfortable stage of their relationship, and had been thisclose to slipping into that space where the heart and soul of the one whose body you were worshiping was coveted.

But that had all changed now. The truth about his father having wiped out any trust he may have built with Robbie, judging by the expression on his face before Priest had left the brewhouse.

All the joy, and all the happiness, the closeness the three of them had been reveling in, had been smothered by the dark cloud that descended on them, and Priest had a feeling it was going to take a lot of explaining on his behalf before they could get out from under it—if they ever could.

Priest jabbed the button of the garage elevator, and when the doors slid open, he ran his key fob over the panel and hit the floor button. He leaned against the back wall and shut his eyes, and as the elevator ascended, he wondered how he was going to explain all of this to Robbie.

He’d only ever had to do it once before. Only ever found one other he deemed important enough to share this side of himself with. And he’d been just as apprehensive, just as sick to his stomach, at the thought of revealing all to Julien, as he was heading up to face Robert Bianchi.

Priest walked down the hallway toward their condo like a man heading toward his execution—or the execution of their new relationship—and when he got to the front door, he paused before entering.

Scanning the hallway, he looked to his left, where their neighbor lived on the other side of the corridor, before he took a final glance back in the direction he’d come. Once he was satisfied there was no one about, he unlocked the door and headed inside.

The first thing he noticed upon entry was how quiet it was. Lately, when he’d arrived home from work, the TV was on and there was the sound of someone doing something or other in the living room or kitchen. But not this afternoon.

Right now, the place felt more like a library. The kind of space where you should tiptoe and whisper in case you offended whoever was inside—provided there was someone there to offend in the first place.

But that was just his paranoia creeping in again. Of course someone was inside—two someone’s, in fact. Julien had told him so, and when Priest stepped out of the short hallway, he spotted his husband immediately.

Julien was curled up on the couch with a blanket over his legs and his phone in hand, and the second Priest moved into view, Julien’s legs came out from under him and he got to his feet. He dropped the phone on the cushion beside him, and as the blanket fell from his lap, it crumpled to the soft rug without a sound.

Julien rushed around the couch and hurried over to Priest, and when he reached him, Julien took his face between his hands and pressed a hard kiss to his lips.

“Mon Dieu, Joel,” Julien said. “I’ve been a mess worrying over you. I’m so glad you’re home.”

Priest wound his arms around Julien’s waist, anchoring himself to the man who understood him in ways Priest had never imagined possible. “You don’t know how much I needed to hear that.”

Julien trailed his fingers down the scruff on Priest’s cheek and frowned. “Was there really any doubt?”

Priest shut his eyes and let Julien soothe him in the way that only he could. His touch, his words, this man’s mere presence—they were all vital to Priest’s survival. Priest let go of Julien’s waist to cover the hand still cradling his cheek.

There were so many things he needed to say: “I’m sorry”or “You were right.I should’ve told Robert about this the second I found out.”But right then, all Priest could manage was: “There was no doubt. Not about you. Never about you.”

Julien’s eyes softened as Priest’s shifted over his husband’s shoulder to the closed door of their bedroom. “Is he still here?”

“Oui.”

“I…” Priest paused as he searched for the words. “I wasn’t sure that he would be.”

“I wasn’t either,” Julien admitted, and when Priest locked eyes with him again, Julien added, “He’s been in there since we got home. Hasn’t said a word.”

“That was more than an hour ago.”

Julien nodded. “I know. But he made it very clear he wasn’t ready to talk about things yet.”

Not knowing what to say to that, Priest put his keys on the coffee table, and Julien placed a hand on his back.

“Listen, he’s processing right now. What he found out about Jimmy… It’s a lot, mon amour.”

“It’s more than that, Julien. You saw his face when he found out.”

“Oui, I did. I also spoke to him in the car on the way home.”

“He thinks I lied to him. Doesn’t he?” When Julien didn’t reply, Priest ran a hand through his hair. “Fuck,” he said. “Fuck. I should’ve told him about all of this before he moved in.”

“And when should you have done that? At CRUSH? On our first date with him? Or maybe the second, when he had dinner here? I’m surethat would’ve made him feel right at home. There hasn’t been a good opportunity. You know that,” Julien reminded him, and touched his fingers to the sleeve of Priest’s jacket. “He just needs time to—”

“No,” Priest said, shaking his head. “Time gives people a chance to distort things. To make them doubt what they once believed. You and I know that better than anyone. I won’t have him doubting this. Doubting us, Julien. Not because of fucking Jimmy. I’m going to go and talk to Robert, and he’s going to listen, and then the three of us are going to sit down and discuss this.”

Something flashed in Julien’s expression, but instead of saying what was on his mind, he let go of Priest’s arm and said, “Okay.”

Priest narrowed his eyes in question, but Julien remained quiet. So Priest turned on his heel and headed toward their bedroom to track down their boyfriend and try to make things right again.

I was eagerly awaiting book 3 in the Confessions series. Priest seemed to be the one with the most demons, the most secrets. And while I enjoyed it, it was my least favorite of the three. There as no moment of gasping out loud. That moment of “omg that is why he is the way he is…”. We found out in a previous book about his father- the source of his anguish. This story gave more details.

There was a part of the story that gave me pause. Like wow. But the rest just seemed fairly formulaic.

Of course we still have Robbie, Julien and Priest navigating this still new triad of a relationship. Moving beyond sex and getting into real feelings. As with the 2 previous books, I feel like this was really well done. No one person or couple seems to be more important than the other. Care is taken to make sure it is known that their love for each other is equal- even though Priest and Julien had a relationship first and are married.

I was happy to see that there will be a fourth book. One that seems to focus on their relationship and not their individual issues. A happily ever after perhaps?

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite contemporary romance, Sex Addict. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”

Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Phillips.

Connect with Ella:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ella.frank.31/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EllaFrank2012

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellafrank1/

Mailing List: www.bit.ly/1hEYtgn

Website: https://www.ellafrank.com/portfolio

Something About Us by Riley Hart: RDB, Excerpt and Release Day Review * 2

August 14, 2018 by Denise

Falling in love was the easy part.

Lucky and Saint are head-over-heels for each other. It doesn’t matter that they met only a few months ago. It also doesn’t matter that this is Saint’s first real relationship and Lucky’s first with a man. They’re infatuated, happy, and excited to start their life together in LA.

It isn’t as easy as they thought.

Away from home for the first time and feeling like he has to compete with Saint’s experienced and cultured friends, Lucky is a fish out of water. Saint is still coming to grips with his recent loss while doing everything he can to keep Lucky happy. The only time things feel right is when they lock themselves away from the world—when they’re alone, everything is perfect.

But reality comes crashing back in to challenge them at every turn. Lucky and Saint need to learn how to stand together, as well as apart, if they’re to have any hope of making this last. They’re learning the hard way that “I love you” is when the real work begins.

SOMETHING ABOUT US

SAINT AND LUCKY BOOK 2

RILEY HART

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 08.15.18

COVER DESIGN: X-Potion Designs

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Lucky Holloway had never seen so many cars in his life.

Okay, so maybe he was exaggerating a bit. It wasn’t as if back home he’d never driven into DC. Obviously, he had, but that was different. DC wasn’t something he did on a daily basis. Since he’d just moved to Los Angeles with his boyfriend, Saint, this—the mass amounts of traffic—would be his life. Every day. He figured he’d better get used to it.

Lucky watched the obscene number of cars, thinking about how many people were there. Again, he glanced at his boyfriend—his boyfriend. It was still an adjustment to realize he had a boyfriend and that moving to LA was a part of it. He would take hours in traffic if it meant having Saint, if it meant stepping outside of the world he’d always known and seeing what else was out there.

There was a loud honk, and Saint cursed and zipped between two vehicles, changing lanes into a spot where his car technically shouldn’t have fit.

“You gotta be a little aggressive to get your way.”He winked, and Lucky playfully rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, this is going to take some getting used to. It’s so amazing to me that there can be this many people right here on this freeway with us, when there are fifty other freeways with likely the same amount of people on them.”

“It’s wild when you think about it in those terms. For me, it’s life. I don’t really know any different.”Saint continued to push his way into spaces, making other cars slow down to let him in, until he exited the freeway. Lucky still couldn’t believe he was there, that he’d met Saint only a few months ago. That somehow, in the course of Saint going to Lucky’s hometown of Cottage Grove, Virginia, to reconnect with an estranged grandmother, Saint and he had fallen in love. And how so soon after Saint had become a part of his grandmother, Alice’s, life, and in turn Lucky’s life, Alice had passed away. He was angry on Saint’s behalf. It wasn’t fair that Saint had lost her so soon after finding her. It wasn’t something Saint mentioned, not outside of that moment they’d shared in Saint’s grandfather’s old office. Saint kept himself zipped tight, as though he hadn’t lost Alice and this was all about their adventure. Lucky decided to make a point of trying to get him to talk about it more.

What he really couldn’t believe was that he’d made the decision to uproot his whole life, leave behind everything he knew, and go with Saint. He’d never done something so uncharacteristic in his life—falling in love in such a short amount of time—and it was both thrilling and scary as fuck.

Sighhhh, Lucky and Saint….

We met them first in “Something About You” when Lucky reached out to Saint on behalf of his neighbor who his grandmother’s lifelong friend/roommate/love. They’re about as different as night and day, one being from small town Virginia and the other from LA. But, despite that, and the fact that Lucky wasn’t out to anyone in his small town… the feelings they had for each other was undeniable.

However, in this one…. Lucky things aren’t so easy just because they love each other. After leaving to LA with Saint, it’s a culture shock to say the least. A blue collar small town man who is newly out and trying to be comfortable with himself and his new relationship, moves to LA with his white collar boyfriend.. It was a lot on both of them. Saint because he wanted to do whatever he could to make Lucky love LA, and Lucky because he was trying to slide into Saint’s life and be comfortable there instead of making his own life there. Lucky needed to get a job and feel like he was contributing, but the cost of living in LA meant whatever job he got, would be chump change compared to Saint’s income, or the cost of his house, or even a light bill. For someone who prided himself on being independent, that would be a hit….

We also see Saint come to terms with losing the grandmother he’d only met a short time ago. Using Lucky coming to LA as a deterrent to talking about it or really even thinking about it, had Saint hiding his head in the sand and not even grieving properly over the woman he loved so much, and who was the only family he had left. I feel like they both needed to find themselves and figure out where to go next was important, before the relationship and living together, instead of for one another could be healthy. They did, and it worked, but it was a bumpy ride getting there.

I was also really concerned with Saint’s friend and co-worker Aaron. I didn’t think I was going to like him. I didn’t like the way he was with Lucky at first, though now I know came from a good place, I really thought he’d cause trouble between the two…. That wasn’t the case and I loved that. I’m really hoping for a good happily ever after for him.

Even with all the back and forth of Lucky hating LA, to the vast difference in lifestyles and friends and career’s, it still wasn’t all the angsty, which I loved (I’m not big on angst)….but I also wasn’t surprised when the guys decide that the both needed to make a change so that they could be what the other needed. I never gave up hope on them; the fact that they loved each other and wasn’t willing to let anything get in the way of that; was important. They were loyal to one another and the trust they had to have never wavered. It was a nice change of pace, and I was really happy with the way things ended for them. I’m sure there’ll be more for these two, and I’ll read every one of them and love it…. I’m hoping there are more anyway!!

Overall, I love this couple, I love their supportive families and best friends, and I loved the way they love each other. I’ll read every book they’re apart of.

4 pieces of eye candy from me!

Yes! Finally! A book that explores a relationship after the honeymoon period of book one. So many books I read that are a happily ever after, but COME ON! One or both main characters made some seriously big life changes. There will be turmoil. SHOW ME!

So, if you haven’t guessed, you absolutely need to read book 1.

Book 2 picks up after Saint and Lucky get to LA. Saint is so happy to be home and while Lucky is happy to be with Saint, he is a bit adrift in LA- a world that is basically the polar opposite of what he lived in his whole life. When they were in Lucky’s hometown, the only thing to really remind Lucky how wealthy Saint is was his Corvette. Which, really, isn’t that big of a deal. But being in LA, it smacks Lucky right in the face how much money Saint has.

And money means nothing to Saint, right? Of course not. Because he is used to money. He grew up with money. He makes tons of money now. He never has to worry about money. And being that he was always surrounded by it, means his friends have it as well.

So while they are home in their bubble without the outside world, Lucky and Saint are totally happy. But they are avoiding the real world because they know trouble awaits.

And I loved it! I love seeing a couple struggle. Because it happens. To everyone in every relationship.

So eventually Lucky makes a decision that could either make or break them as a couple. And while I really enjoyed the decision he made, I felt like that section could have been longer. More detailed. I wanted to see Lucky come into his own more. But I guess me wanting more of something is a good thing. Because if it was a crap story I certainly wouldn’t want more.

So don’t worry happy readers. Saint and Lucky still get their HEA. It was just a tiny bit too tidy for me.

4 pieces of eye candy

Riley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s a hopeless romantic, a lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together.

She loves reading, flawed characters, and hanging out with her husband and children, who she adores. She and her family live in Southern California, soaking up the sunshine while also missing seasons. Not a day goes by that she isn’t thankful she gets to wake up and do what she loves.

Life is good. Riley also writes young adult and new adult under the name Nyrae Dawn.

* Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review – nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. *

Be Still My Heart (Four Kings Security Book 2) by Charlie Cochet: EXCLUSIVE Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

August 3, 2018 by Denise

Former Special Forces medical sergeant Russell “Red” McKinley knows a thing or two about wounds, like the fact some can take a lifetime to heal, if they heal at all. The scars Red carry run deep, and living with PTSD often means battling the memories of his past. Injuries he received while working an executive protection case with fellow Kings and co-owners of Four Kings Security, have once again forced past heartaches to the surface, but Red is determined not to let it derail his blossoming romance with sweet and sexy fashion photographer Lazarus Galanos.

Laz can’t deny there’s something special developing between him and Red, but Laz has wounds of his own. He’s hesitant to jump into a new relationship after his recent explosive breakup. Experience has taught Laz to doubt his judgement when it comes to men. Guys who seem too good to be true, usually are, and no one appears more perfect than Red.
When an attempt is made on Laz’s life, Red is determined to keep him safe. Laz may not be a client, and Red is still off duty, but Laz is one of their own, and nothing means more to the Kings than family. While an investigation is underway, Red and Laz are growing closer, but can they find a way to help each other heal and take a chance on love, or will their fears and insecurities cost them more than their future together?

BE STILL MY HEART

FOUR KINGS SECURITY #2

CHARLIE COCHET

M/M ROMANTIC SUSPENSE/CONTEMPORARY

RELEASE DATE: 07.28.18

COVER DESIGN: REESE DANTE

Amazon

“You send your security officers to train in Miami?” Mason looked horrified, making Red laugh. Despite having lived in Florida for years now, Mason continued to be baffled by its residents. He was convinced something was in the water. That or the humidity was affecting people’s oxygen intake. Ace loved to poke and prod Mason just to hear him rant. It was highly entertaining.

“I’m sorry, but have you tried making a left turn in Miami during rush hour?”

“Nope. Too busy trying to figure out which of the ten cars driving with their hazard lights on during a thunderstorm actually has an emergency. I’ll give you a hint, none, because they’re not using the damn thing like they’re supposed to.”

“Well, we do live in the state of shoplifting turkeys,” Ace said with a grin.

“Someone shoplifted turkeys?” Laz asked, confused. He was so damned adorable.

“No, someone dressed like a turkey was arrested for shoplifting.”

Laz opened his mouth to reply, then closed it. He shook his head. “I got nothing.” The wind blew his hair into his face, the soft dark curls calling to Red, and he couldn’t help reaching out to tuck a lock of hair behind Laz’s ear, earning him a sweet smile. “Thanks.”

Red returned his smile and shoved his hands into his pockets, the urge to touch Laz overwhelming. Laz was a good half foot or so shorter than Red, which meant he had to look up to meet Red’s gaze, and for some reason Red found that endearing. He wasn’t sure why. At six-foot-three, most people had to look up when talking to him. Maybe because he liked how Laz felt tucked against his body. How well they fit together. One thing he did know was that the more time he spent around Laz, the more he wanted to bring him into his arms and kiss him.

“Well, hello, Officer Cooper.” Lucky swaggered over, blatantly checking Mason out like he always did, and like every other time, Mason ignored him. “You are looking particularly fine today.”

“Lucky,” Mason grumbled by way of greeting, folding his beefy arms over his chest, his bulging biceps straining against the shirt sleeves of his uniform, drawing Lucky’s hungry gaze. Red stifled a laugh and exchanged glances with Ace, who waggled his eyebrows. Mason had no idea how much he flexed when Lucky was around. For all his bitching about Lucky’s “manwhore” ways, he preened an awful lot around the guy. “When are you gonna get rid of that death machine?”

“Why? Are you worried about me?”

Mason let out a snort. “Yeah, I ain’t touchin’ that.”

“You should. Who knows. You might like it.” Lucky winked at him, and Mason rolled his eyes.

“How did you know we were here?” Red asked Lucky. It’s like his friend had an internal radar. Wherever a group of young beautiful people were gathered, Lucky was bound to be there.

Lucky held up his phone, his grin wide. “You uploaded the video to the cloud by mistake. I would have been here sooner, but I had to pull over because I couldn’t see from the tears, I was laughing so hard.”

Oh shit. Red cringed. “Oops.”

“Oops?” Ace punched Red in the arm. “Thanks a lot, asshole. You know what’s going to happen now, right?”

“I’m sorry.” He was. He really was. He wouldn’t wish what was about to happen on anyone, not even Ace. Okay, maybe sometimes he did wish it on Ace because… well, it was Ace, so he probably did something to deserve it, but this was on Red.

Ace’s phone rang, and when he answered, he didn’t bother with a greeting. “Fuck you. The both of you.”

Wow, that was quicker than expected.

Ace put his phone on speaker, Jack and Joker’s loud peals of laughter filling the air. Jabbing a finger at his phone, Ace hung up and glared at Red. “This is your doing. I hope you’re happy.”

He wasn’t. Not really. Okay, maybe a little.

“I can’t wait to see what Jack does with the video,” Lucky said, rubbing his hands together in glee. “Ooh, this means another training video.”

Ace spun to thrust a finger in King’s face. “Stop putting me in training videos!”

“What’s he talking about?” Laz whispered at Red.

Red leaned in to reply quietly so Ace wouldn’t hear him and give him another reason to yell. “Anytime someone catches Ace doing something like today and records it, King puts it in a training video on how to not do that thing.”

“I’ll stop putting you in training videos when you stop expertly demonstrating all the wrong ways to diffuse a situation,” King growled, swatting Ace’s finger away from his face. “Do that again and you’re going to be featured in a new video on broken fingers and how not to get them broken.”

Ace opened his mouth to reply, but King narrowed his eyes, his jaw muscles working, and his expression daring Ace to mouth off.

“So,” Ace said, pivoting toward Mason, “Tell ’em your good news.”

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. I am a BIG BIG fan of Charlie Cochet’s THIRDS series. So much that I was apprehensive to start this new series. What if it isn’t as good? What if it is *gasp* better? But still, I had to read them because of course I did.

And I really, really liked book 1. There was a little tiny bit of Dex (THIRDS) in Ace (Four Kings book 1), but not a ton. I think just because they were wise cracking guys. So eyes wide open with book 2. Again- I really, really liked it.

Red and Laz started flirting in book 1, so we knew what was coming. And the ride getting there was fun. This book picks up a few months after the last and it has been a few months since Red and Laz have seen each other. But neither forgot. And then they do see each other with some meddling by Ace.

But then someone is trying to kill Laz. Like, who would do that? He is the nicest guy with no enemies except his vapid ex boyfriend and that is just too obvious. So while The Kings assign themselves bodyguards to Laz, Red assigns himself to personally guard Laz’s body.

I LOVED Laz in this book. He is a different guy in the bedroom with Red, you really see how he cares so much for his friends and he is wanting to make a name for himself in the fashion photography business without connections.

Red is still recovering from a gun shot wound even though the doctor cleared him. But he is also still dealing with PTSD from his time in the military. And because his last partner couldn’t deal with the PTSD and left, Red thinks Laz might do the same.

So (attempted) murder mystery, PTSD, new relationship…. a fast paced story with the feels and the romance and the sexy times. Ace provides a lot of comic relief, but doesn’t take over the story at all. I actually thought all 4 of the main guys were equally well represented- with Red and Laz getting the most page time obviously.

At the end of book 2 we find out the couple for book 3. Which we figured out already. So now I am totally shifting 2 characters in my head hoping they are book 4.

And a big shoutout to the author for calling out piracy in her own way. ART IS NOT AND SHOULD NOT BE FREE!!!

4 pieces of eye candy

Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From adventurous agents and sexy shifters, to society gentlemen and hardboiled detectives, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

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 reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Website: http://www.charliecochet.com

Blog: http://www.charliecochet.com/blog

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The Pet Stylist and The Playboy by Rebecca James: New Release Review

July 17, 2018 by Denise

Swish has been in love with Dante since the day the tough biker found him homeless and miserable in a gas station restroom, but Dante’s never shown the younger man anything more than brotherly affection. Deciding it’s time to move out of the MC’s clubhouse and away from Dante, Swish takes a live-in job working in a privately-owned animal shelter where he can continue his pet stylist business. What he doesn’t realize is he’s not going to be as far away from the object of his affection as he thinks.
Dante’s time of being a playboy biker is fast coming to a close. At summer’s end he turns 30, and that means fulfilling his promise to his parents and returning to high society in the Hamptons. That dim prospect should be all Dante can think about, only Swish is moving out, and suddenly Dante can’t do anything but obsess over the kid he’s always thought of as a younger brother. Telling himself he’s only making sure Swish is doing okay on his own, Dante takes a summer job landscaping at the animal shelter where Swish has taken a job. There he learns a few things about the young man he’s never bothered to find out before, including that Swish’s real name is Isaac, and he enjoys wearing a certain something under his jeans–something that Dante’s surprised to find he would really like to remove–preferably with his teeth.
When Dante gives in to his need for Isaac, the playboy biker quickly finds that disentangling himself from the man he once thought of as a kid brother proves harder than expected, and that perhaps after years of one-night-stands and partying, his priorities need to change. Only not in the way his wealthy and controlling parents want them to.

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I read book 1 of this new to me author because one of the main characters was a ballet dancer. And while I didn’t love it, I wanted to read book 2 because the supporting character, Swish, really drew my attention and I wanted more.

And I really enjoyed getting to know Swish more. Dante though. Dante was kind of a dick.

For whatever reason, he is keeping a secret from EVERYONE except for one guy in the MC. His big secret is that when he turns 30, he has to go work for his father and eventually take over the family business. He feels that he owes it to them. His cold, unfeeling parents. Makes no sense. But what was even more out there to me is that the family business is several high end car dealerships. I wasn’t expecting that. AT ALL. I don’t see how owning car dealerships gave his parents to prestige they had on Long Island in their circle, but ok.

Anyway. Swish was awesome. He took care of himself. When he is offered a place to live and a job doing something he loves- he takes it. I cheered for him. But Dante just had to encroach on that as well.

Basically Dante was a selfish jerk through most of the book. And Swish tried to fight it, but ultimately he couldn’t. He had been crushing on Dante for too long.

But Swish had his new job. His new place to live. New clients with the pet styling. Things were looking up for him.

But Dante keeps coming back.

Yes, he finally gets his head on straight and all of that- but it was pretty outlandish. Kind of silly, like the title. Seriously. Poor, poor title.

Swish kept me reading definitely. AND figuring out who the next book is about will make me read the next. And as much as I love a HEA, I really would have liked it if Swish had told Dante to ride off into the sunset.

3 Pieces of eye candy

Smoke in the Mirror by Aimee Nicole Walker: Exclusive Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

July 12, 2018 by Denise

Memphis Sullivan thought he was coming to Blissville to help his cousin out, but instead, he gained three meddlesome females, a tribe, and a permanent home. More than a year later, he owns a popular comic book and vinyl record store and doesn’t think his life could get any better. That all changes when the star of his favorite television show and bad-boy fantasies rides into town and spices up his vanilla world.

Lyric Willows’ decision to visit an old friend in Blissville will change his life in ways he never dreamed possible. The paranormal investigator is immediately drawn to the mysterious disappearance of the town’s founder in 1850 and rumors that his former home is haunted. More alluring to Lyric than the history of Bliss House is the immediate connection he feels to the adorably geeky owner of Vinyl and Villains, who also happens to be his friend’s cousin.

Lyric becomes Memphis’s houseguest when he decides to stay in town to conduct a paranormal investigation. Tight spaces lead to sexy encounters, and before long, ghosts aren’t the only things that go bump in the night. The more they unravel about Anthony Bliss’s disappearance, the more tangled in one another they become. How is it possible for two virtual strangers to feel like they’ve known each other for their entire lives? Was their love written in the stars, or is it nothing more than an illusion?

Smoke in the Mirror is the fifth book in the Road to Blissville series. Each book can be read as a standalone book or part of the series. This book contains sexually explicit material and is intended for adults 18 and older.

SMOKE IN THE MIRROR

A ROAD TO BLISSVILLE STORY

AIMEE NICOLE WALKER

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 07.12.18

COVER DESIGN: JAY AHEER/ Simply Defined Art

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER: WANDER AGUIAR

MODEL: TRAVIS

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Memphis’s entire body tensed, but he didn’t turn around. “Oh my God,” he said for the second time. His head fell forward and hung like he was ashamed, and I felt horrible for saying anything.

“Don’t be embarrassed,” I said, trying to smooth things over. “We all need to come.” Memphis released a strangled groan-sigh combo, letting me know I failed to ease his worry. “At first, I thought it was part of the amenities at Casa de Memphis, but then I remembered you weren’t expecting me last night.” Memphis’s shoulders began to shake, and I worried that he was crying. “Fuck, I really know how to screw things up.” I placed my hand on his shoulder and turned him around to look at me. I got lost in his big brown eyes and forgot what I was going to say.

“I should be humiliated but remarks like ‘we all need to come’ and ‘amenities at Casa de Memphis’ just won’t let me.” I relaxed a little when I saw the tears in his eyes were from laughter and not humiliation. “Thank you for that.”

“Don’t thank me,” I replied dryly. “If I were a good person, I would’ve pretended not to see it, not hung my washcloth over it and cracked jokes the next morning.”

Fun, fun, fun. Who doesn’t love a good ghost story? Especially when the story isn’t scary at all?

This is part of a series that includes a traditional male/female romance but the author wrote them in such a way that you can really read this one as a stand alone. Just a head’s up.

Everyone has a famous person crush- Shannon Leto, I’m waiting for you- but Memphis has the distinction of crushing on someone who will be helping his good friends with a ghost. AND he somehow offered up his spare bedroom to the guy.

Chemistry is IMMEDIATE with Memphis and Lyric and it is HOT. Neither man wants a relationship and they are very open about that. But fate, of course, has a different plan.

As fans of both the Curl Up and Dye series and the Road to Blissville series, we couldn’t wait for Memphis and Lyric to get their story. And it didn’t disappoint. They were FUN. I think that is one of the reasons I like these books so much. When they are in a super hot sex scene, they are still having fun.

We also finally get the entire story of the ghost. Who his is, what happened to him and how to help him. It was so sweet and not nearly as tragic as was hinted at earlier in the story.

All of these books were really good and even though they are a spin off of the Curl Up and Dye series, those characters aren’t used as a crutch in this series. In fact, I think we only saw one of the originals once in this story.

This is a fun vacation/beach read. Dive in and enjoy.

4 pieces of eye candy

I am a wife and mother to three kids, three dogs, and a cat. When I’m not dreaming up stories, I like to lose myself in a good book, cook or bake. I’m a girly tomboy who paints her fingernails while watching sports and yelling at the referees. I will always choose the book over the movie. I believe in happily-ever- after. Love inspires everything that I do. Music keeps me sane.

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