TCO Reviewer: Jennifer

Professor Adorkable by Edie Danford: Blog Tour, Release Day Review and Giveaway

September 18, 2018 by Denise

What happens when a star-gazing professor falls for his hot young housekeeper? One heck of an earthy explosion…

Professor Marek Janos’s genius at analyzing stellar explosions doesn’t apply to his own disordered world. Forgetting to eat, sleep, and leave his lab has triggered some epic personal disasters. When his family insists he hire live-in help, he discovers home life has awesome benefits. His new housekeeper’s smile sparks more energy than a supernova. And the way he moves? It rocks Marek’s galaxy.

Pete Schulz took a tough fall from his high-flying life in Hollywood. But how does a guy whose best skill is getting dirty clean up his act? His new gig with Domesticated Inc seems like a great first step. Keeping house for a nerdy young astrophysics professor is exactly the low-key, no-chance-for-trouble job he needs, right?

Living together is surprisingly easy for both men. And fun. And more than a little hot. It’s when they’re faced with the idea of living apart that the truly messy work begins…

Title: Professor Adorkable

Series: Domesticated Inc, Book One

Author: Edie Danford

Publisher: Edie Danford

Release Date: September 18, 2018

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 90,000 words

Genre: Romance, Boss, Housekeeper, Best Friends, Nerd

Goodreads

Amazon

“I made the mess,” I tell my housekeeper. “So I will clean it up.”

“Yeah, I know you can clean it up if given several hours,” Pete responds, his smile crooked. There are no signs of exasperation on his face or in his tone. No signs that he’s upset I’ve woken him up with the sound of breaking glass, and that his once-pristine kitchen floor is now covered with a mess I could have easily avoided if I’d been paying attention. “But it’s my job. Tomorrow morning your job is to go teach a class. You’ll sleep until eight, eat a good breakfast, and then be off.”

I raise my eyebrows. “That is exactly how it will happen?”

“I’ll make sure of it.”

“What if I want to negotiate?”

“Negotiate?”

“Yes. Things can be negotiated in a democratic household, yes?”

“Democratic?”

I smile. “We have no dictators here. Or kings or queens.”

“Well.” He snorts. “There is that matter of your uncle signing my paycheck. But I get what you’re saying, I guess. What were you interested in negotiating?”

“Tonight I feel…antsy? Unable to relax.” I move my shoulders up and down to show him all this tension I’m experiencing. “I’ll go upstairs and sleep, but first I would like company. To hang out with you. For a while.”

His mouth droops as he folds his arms across his bare chest and stares at me. “So you’re saying you’ll let me do my job. But only if I give up my free time for you?”

“Um.” It’s cool in the kitchen, but my face suddenly becomes steam-burn hot.

Damn. I’m incredibly bad at talking to him—or any guy—I find attractive. Doesn’t matter where I am—Prague, Pasadena, Chicago. My language barrier isn’t about Czech versus English. It’s about my head versus my tongue.

What I want with Pete is complicated, not simple. But, as usual, I’ve said words that could be construed as—

God, I don’t even know what.

“You suck at negotiating, Marek.” He says it with a kind note in his voice.

“Yes.” I clear my throat. “I do.”

He sighs and runs his hand over his short hair—hair I want so fucking badly to touch. Is it bristly, soft? Would it sift through my fingers easily, or would it be like my hair and cling to my skin?

“I suppose we could listen to one Harry Potter chapter,” he says, lacking his usual enthusiasm for the idea. “But just one. And if you fall asleep or if I fall asleep or if we both fall asleep, it will be your job to wake up and go back to bed. No sleepovers. That’s a rule that’s not allowed to change.”

I swallow. Ordinarily I would give him shit about the unreasonableness of his request—if we’re asleep, how will we know we’re asleep and thus breaking his rules?

But I keep quiet tonight. I know I’m pushing him. I know he’s beginning to figure out I want more than just his company. So much more.

If this were a work-related matter, I would get my way with a few basic words. Logic applies in my lab. When it comes to my personal life, however, logic rarely applies. Basic words never seem to work.

If I tell Pete what I really want—to take him into his room, to put him on his comfortable bed, to kiss his clever mouth over and over and over, to blow him until his sweet hotness spills down my throat, to hold him tightly and use friction to excellent effect (inside or outside our bodies, I don’t care) until we both come—then he would say “no” quickly and firmly, and quietly shut that detestable door in my face. And I’ll be lucky if he’s still around in the morning.

The situation between us is confusing. I hope this is more than just his workplace. We are friends. He’s my best friend, actually. And he’s the one who makes this place a home.

Occasionally, I have a hard time understanding…what had my language tutor called it? Nuance. Nuanced meanings. Pete and I have a lot of nuances happening between us.

“One chapter would be good,” I tell him. “Chapter Twelve. ‘The Tri-wizard Tournament.’ I need to know all about it.”

He nods and tips his head toward the open door to his suite. “I’ll meet you in there.”

My heart bounces around in my chest—more zaps from that ionizer—but my head doesn’t like the take-care-of-business look on Pete’s face. No smile, no teasing, no dancing notes to the way his boots clap against the tile floor. He checks the locks and the deadbolts on the back door and walks toward his room.

He glances at his doorway and then me, his eyebrows rising. He looks as though he’s holding his breath, maybe holding back a sigh.

Maybe it would be better to give him space tonight. Better for me to be apart from what I want so much, but can’t have. I should walk away, go back to my room without bothering Pete.

My damp toes stick to the cold floor. I want to be more than a job for him. I want to be more than some guy he feels sorry for, some guy who can’t even say what he wants.

I walk over to the sink and retrieve a glass from the nearby cabinet. I fill the glass half full at the tap and then drink. I set it down carefully. The water is cold, but my skin feels hot. I can feel Pete watching me, waiting.

My eyes shift to the hallway. But my feet carry me toward Pete.

Sigh……

This book was adorable. I’m was so charmed by both characters, I’m not sure which one I adored more. See, Professor Marek, simply put…. Is a genius. His mind is a beautiful thing, as are the things that come out of his mouth. He might be a little socially awkward, being that he speaks facts, because that’s just the way his mega brain works. He may seem enept in other ways, socially especially, but it’s the most charming thing about him, I feel like. He’s just so…. adorable. He’s the kind of guy you want to put in your pocket and just hug him whenever you think about how precious he is…

Having achieved so much in his short life, he’s got everything a person could need, but no need for it…. As a new professor, and studier of the astrophysics, it takes up a lot of his time; all of it really, that is, until his uncle hires him a housekeeper named Pete… Pete keeps him alive in every way. He takes care of him, but not just in the way he was hired to, but in all the ways that Marek needed.

Unfortunately, Pete is hiding his past, not only from Marek, but from everyone, even himself. He was complex in the way that, he cared about Marek, but didn’t want to. He wanted to take care of him, no matter how hard he tried to keep things professional, he couldn’t stop his feelings in check, but honestly…. You’d love him too! And in the way that he tried to put rules in place so that the past wouldn’t repeat itself for him. I’ll admit, he hadn’t made the best decisions in his previous line of work… but honestly, he was young….and when you’re young is the time for making mistakes. He learned from them, I truly believe that he did; he just wouldn’t let himself recognize that. He was a better person, he didn’t have to try, he just was. The way he was with Marek was proof of that.

Of course, with every happily ever after, there has to be bumps in the road; and their was…and there was a time when both men needed to prove that they could stand on their own two feet, but together, Marek had said that they could fix anything, as long as they did it together…. I loved that. He knew he loved Pete and he never stopped fighting for him, even when it hurt him to step back and give Pete his space to work things out for himself.

Other than Marek’s uncle…. I loved the secondary character’s and all of the friends and family. I love the family that’s unwaveringly supportive, and the friends, even the unlikely seventeen year old girl that taught them some amazeballs new words… they were all just so sweet. I’m definitely going back to read about Josh and Nick. I hope to see more of these two in the future as well….

Sigh….. did I do that already? It was just cute. Perfectly adorkable. I loved it. Great ending <3

5 stars from me.

Edie lives in Vermont with her husband, two sons, and random creatures that might or might not be pets. She loves libraries (where she’s found play, work, and love since she was a kid), long walks (unless ice is involved), lewd language (in the right context), luscious romance (of any variety), and alliteration.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | eMail

http://www.ediedanford.com/

https://www.facebook.com/edie.danford

https://twitter.com/ediedanford

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12013781.Edie_Danford

ediedanford@gmail.com

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Charity Parkerson’s Sugar Fighter (Sugar Daddies #1): Quick Review

September 17, 2018 by Denise

Zeke is the older man. The richer man. The man who plans to give Korey the world.

As MMA’s Light Heavyweight champion, Zeke’s million-dollar matches and multi-million-dollar sponsorships have given him the freedom to do whatever he likes. It pleases him to spoil Korey. Before Zeke’s best friend Charlie was deployed two years ago, he made Zeke swear he’d care for his brother Korey if anything happened to him. When Charlie is killed by a roadside bomb, Zeke takes the young college student in, determined to give him everything he requires to succeed. He never expects to end up hoping he can keep Korey under more than his roof. He needs Korey beneath him.

If Korey had been in his right mind after Charlie’s death, he would’ve turned down Zeke’s offer. By the time he realizes his mistake, he’s already addicted to Zeke’s powerful presence. He never meant to end up dependent on the man’s smiles and hot glances. The money, Korey could live without. The man has him hooked. There’s only one problem—neither man wants to cross the line from friends to lovers, ruining what they have.

Sugar Fighter is a short introduction to a new series by Charity Parkerson, Sugar Daddies. This series will feature male/male May/December romances where the men are hot, rich, naughty, and don’t like to be told no.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Hmmm, hot older guy and the younger brother of his best friend from the army who had passed…. Sounds good right? I thought so too!

So, first, we have Korey, who when he lost his brother, he lost the last person he had. Having moved to a new state where he didn’t know anyone just before, he was surprised that his brother’s best friend Zeke stepped up and offered him a place to stay so he could continue school…..He had plenty of money and plenty of room, and he’d promised to look after Charlie’s little brother.

Zeke was a professional MMA fighter and a good one at that. He had more money than he knew what to do with, so it allowed him to take care of Korey; and he loved doing it. He had feelings for Korey and wanted to be the one that he relied on. Korey was in the same boat, but never imagined Zeke would return his feelings.

That was, until hiding their feelings was too much on both of them and they finally gave into each other. Should’ve been great, right? But of course it wouldn’t be that easy…. Zeke reacted badly and Korey got his feelings hurt, and the more Zeke messed up, the more he didn’t know how to fix it.

I really felt for Korey, who hasn’t had that one unrequited love? It’s the most painful feeling to know that your heart is with someone and then them not feel the same way. Of course, Zeke did, but it took a while for him to admit it to not only himself but to Korey.

With the help of Maverick, though…. They got there. Overall, it was a short and sweet read… I’m looking forward to Maverick’s story… he deserves someone amazing. I have a feeling his story will be just as bittersweet.

4 pieces of eye candy from me!

Second Chance Ranch by RJ Scott: Blog Tour, Release Day Review and Giveaway

September 14, 2018 by Denise

Rob arrives at Crooked Tree determined to find a safe place for his niece and nephew. A family for them is the final thing on his list, and then he can vanish completely. Falling for a local paramedic along the way, is a disaster in Rob’s otherwise perfect plans.

Paramedic Aaron, the middle of five brothers, would like someone to love. A great believer in fate he is convinced though, that one day he’ll find someone. He just never thought it would be a man in so much pain, or that children would be part of the package.

Rob is ready to leave. Aaron wants him to stay. Their love has an expiry date, and it’s tearing them apart. Can they find a way to save what they have?

Length: 55,300 words approx.

Cover Design: Meredith Russell

Amazon

Book #1 – Crooked Tree Ranch – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #2 – The Rancher’s Son – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #3 – A Cowboy’s Home – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #4 – Snow In Montana – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Chapter 1

Rob Brady knew three things. His sister was dead, he was the guardian to her two boys, and he was stuck in Hell.

And why am I fixating on Hell?

Oh yeah, the room, the kids, the crushing grief of absolutely fucking everything.

If Hell was a small, airless room with no windows, a flickering light, and two utterly silent children staring at him as if he’d personally murdered their mother.

Oh, and a thin-lipped woman from Child Protection Services looking at him the same way.

Of course, he hadn’t killed his sister because he only ever took out the bad guys. With ruthless efficiency, he’d carved out the poison in the US and kept its citizens safe. Most people would’ve described him as an assassin, but he was more than that; the last resort when normal lines of defense failed.

At least, he used to be until he caught a bullet things went pear-shaped.

“How long have they been on their own?” Rob Brady didn’t know what else to ask. He wanted to be angry with the DCFS but how could he be? Instead, he wavered between anger and guilt, and it was guilt that was winning.

“Mr. Brady, they were never on their own.”

“My sister—” He stopped talking when he realized he was just about to state how long ago his sister died when her children were sitting right there in the room. Lowering his tone, he then turned to Sylvia from the DCFS, efficient and steady, and just ever so slightly pissed at him. “A year. They’ve been on their own a year.”

Sylvia inhaled sharply and clutched her folders to her chest.

“And for a little less than that, we have tried to track down their uncle and been unable to find anything.”

“I know. I get that.” Anyone trying to find him would reach several dead-ends whichever way they went. First of all the navy and his time in the SEALs, then when he joined the team combatting mainland terrorism. At every turn, his existence was classified, and in the end, he’d become nothing more than a ghost. “That isn’t my point.”

Sylvia tapped a finger on the files in a steady rhythm. “Then please, can you enlighten me as to what exactly is your point?”

He opened the door and gestured for her to go into the hallway, following her out and shutting it behind them. He had questions and didn’t want to ask them in front of his nephews.

“Why has no one adopted them? Why don’t they have a forever home with a new family?”

“Because your sister’s intention was that you would take the boys. It’s explicitly stated in every legal form we have, and it was her dying wish.”

“But she couldn’t have known I would ever come back. Or that I was even alive…” He floundered for something to say. He’d come back to town on the off chance he’d see what was left of his extended family from a distance, and instead, he’d learned his sister was dead, after losing a battle with cancer, that there was no father in the picture, and that his nephews were in the system.

“Nonetheless, they are legally your responsibility. Given you worked so hard to get authorization from Governor Chilton, something I’ve never seen before, along with psych evals that no normal person would have access to, you are now in a position to leave with your nephews.”

The minute he’d heard about the boys, he’d realized he needed to get things done. He’d called in favors, had people who owed him create a backstory so tight he seemed like Mother fucking Teresa, and now he was here. His nephews needed a home, and he thought on his feet because he only had another three good months to put anything in place for them. He wanted them looked after, safe, and so he had one more mission before leaving. He’d have to delay spending his last weeks on a beach in Aruba, sipping cocktails and sleeping with anything that moved.

“I can take them today?” he asked. A small, hesitant part of him wanted her to say no, that there were more details to be ironed out.

“Yes.”

“Now?”

“Yes.” She pursed her lips as if it were against her better judgment. But he’d passed all the checks, and the references were sound, he had the governor’s endorsement. It was done.

“Okay then.”

He pushed back into the room. Bran, the older of his two nephews, stared at him steadily. Toby, the youngest, sniffled and gripped his brother hard. Any ordinary uncle would’ve hugged them close and told them everything was going to be okay. But he wasn’t a regular uncle, and he swore Bran knew that because there was accusation in his eyes.

You don’t even know us; he seemed to be saying.

Was it right for Rob to be taking them from their new foster home? They’d been placed with a family currently fostering six kids, and on the surface, everything seemed okay. He’d done his due diligence, and the parents checked out, but there was a weird vibe in the house, a rule of fear, and he didn’t like it.

He’d stayed alive this long by listening to his instinct, and his gut told him he should take Bran and Toby, that he was the boys’ kin. He also knew where he could find them a better home. In the mountains, with rivers and horses, and a whole group of people who would look out for them.

“Everything will be okay.” Was he reassuring himself or the boys?

If anyone who knew him had seen he was being handed two children to take care of, they’d call the cops.

Of course, he could handle the cops. He’d done it before, but the kids would slow him down. Unless he strapped them to his back and—

“Mr. Brady?”

Sylvia talked to him, or at him, and from her expression, she wasn’t impressed he’d stopped listening.

“Sorry, say again?” He glanced at Toby who was sniffling harder and snuggling deeper into his brother. I should go to Toby and…

And what?

Do what? Say what? Scare the kid rigid by being all up in his face?

“We need an address for our records. Unless you reside with Governor Chilton?” The last she added sarcastically.

Oh yeah, a house, an address, he probably needed those. He’d managed to fool them with his credentials so far, and the recommendation he’d gotten from the governor for a favor owed had cut through the red tape. The address was easy; it was the only place he had on his to-do list, the one where the kids could maybe have a home. He just needed to hire a lawyer, update his will, get Justin to agree to his proposal, and he’d be able to leave without any worries.

“Crooked Tree Ranch, outside of Helena, Montana.”

I love this whole series!!!

I’ll admit, it’s been a minute, so I had to go back and remind myself who Rob was, but if you loved and read Justin and Sam’s story, you’ll remember that he’s a former partner of Justin’s, sent to kill him in their book. Of course, he didn’t, because he wanted out of the life just as Justin did, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t dangerous and that when he left Justin alive, he didn’t think he’d ever see him again.

Rob never counted on checking on the sister he’d left behind at 18, when he signed up to serve his country. Imagine his surprise that she’d not only died but she’d left him her two children, boys, Toby and Bran. Now, we all know Jennifer’s a sucker for stories involving kids, and this one was no different. The two boys were a major part of this story; more so even than relationship that forms between Rob and Aaron, the sheriff’s brother, the paramedic. Remember him? Yeeeeah, I was excited for him too.

Unfortunately, things hadn’t been easy for Toby and Bran, shuffling into foster homes until they found Rob; (which meant, Rob wanted to be found), he was all set to leave them in foster care until he checked out the home of where the boys were staying and moved heaven and earth to get them with him. He didn’t know what to do with them and the boys didn’t trust him for a good little bit; but they needed him…they needed each other, Rob just didn’t realize it yet.

Rob had been shot and left badly injured after his last mission, and the effects from that were a problem. We don’t get to that problem for a while though, so I was left frustrated with Rob the majority of the book. And figuring something is going to happen to him; he takes the boys to Crooked Tree Ranch, because he hopes that Justin will have his back. It’s slow going, but Justin and Sam were my favorite and I knew that Justin would indeed have his back and take care of those kids should he and Sam need to. I fell in love with him all over again.

My heart still hurt for Rob, because I knew how hard he was trying to keep a distance from the kids, and trying to get the kids to keep their distance from him as well; and I hated seeing it; because those kids needed him so badly.

See, Jennifer not only loves stories about hot guys with kids; but she also has two kids, two boys and was a single parent until her oldest was 5. Remembering them trying to impress my husband of the last 9 years, wanting him to love them and be to them what they didn’t have. Stories like this one hits me close to home…(okay, and Jennifer will stop referring to herself in the 3^rd person, and also mention, he jumped into that dad role and has been the best one ever since) So, I was rooting for this small family, even when I thought it was impossible.

I shouldn’t have worried though, not really; I’ve read this entire series and I’m also a big fan of Ms. Scott, and I know that especially in this series; we get our happily ever afters! And Aaron, he was stubborn, having all those brothers, I’m sure he had to be; but it worked in his favor here. He didn’t let Rob scare him or push him away, and the quiet way he loved Rob, not pushing him, even when he knew what the outcome would likely be….He was just there, loving him in the time he got with him. He fought for them, but he couldn’t make him do anything unless Rob was willing to fight for all of them. It was Justin who pushed, and I loved him all the more for it.

I loved them all actually, I don’t even know what I’m saying. And while Justin and Sam remain my favorite, I’ll have to say that Toby and Bran are a very close second. I’d love to read more about this little family and I hope we get so much more from this series. I love them all, and I loved the way this one ended. Yay for all of them..

Sigh…Great addition…I’ll take the next one, now please 😀

5 pieces of eye candy from me!

August 30 – Cdawgz Reads, Gay Book Reviews, OMG Reads, Xtreme Delusions, September 3 – BFD Blog, September 5 – My Fiction Nook, September 7 – The Geekery Book Review, MM Good Book Reviews, September 10 – Mean Girls Luv Books, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Wicked Reads, September 12 – Kimmers’ Erotic Book Banter, Reading In Sarah’s Corner, September 14 – Two Chicks Obsessed, Southern Babes Book Blog, Jim’s Reading Room, Nicole’s Book Musings, September 17 – Momma Says: To Read or Not To Read, Wicked Faerie’s Tales, The Way She Reads, Sexy Erotic Xciting, September 19 – Making It Happen, Padme’s Library, September 21 – Mirrigold, Lillian Francis, Bayou Book Junkie, Virginia Lee

RJ’s goal is to write stories with a heart of romance, a troubled road to reach happiness, and most importantly, that hint of a happily ever after.

RJ is the author of the over one hundred novels and discovered romance in books at a very young age. She realized that if there wasn’t romance on the page, she could create it in her head, and is a lifelong writer.

She lives and works out of her home in the beautiful English countryside, spends her spare time reading, watching films, and enjoying time with her family.

The last time she had a week’s break from writing she didn’t like it one little bit and has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldn’t defeat.

She’s always thrilled to hear from readers, bloggers and other writers. Please contact via the following links below:

Email RJ (rj@rjscott.co.uk)

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* 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. *

Patchwork Paradise by Indra Vaughn: BB, New Release Review and Giveaway

August 30, 2018 by Denise

Oliver and Samuel’s relationship is fairy-tale perfect. They share a gorgeous house in Antwerp, go out with their friends every weekend, and count down the days to their dream wedding. But their happy ending is shattered one late night, and just like that, Ollie is left bereft and alone.

The months that follow are long and dark, but slowly Ollie emerges from his grief. He even braves the waters of online dating, though deep down he doesn’t believe he can find that connection again. He doesn’t think to look for love right in front of him: his bisexual friend Thomas, the gentle giant with a kind heart and sad eyes who’s wanted him all along.

When Thomas suddenly discovers he has a son who needs him, he’s ill prepared. Ollie opens up his house—Sam’s house—and lets them in. Ollie doesn’t know what scares him more: the responsibility of caring for a baby, or the way Thomas is steadily winning his heart. It will take all the courage he has to discover whether or not fairy tales can happen for real.

Cover Design: Dar Albert

Length: 205 pages

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

I have no words….

I’ve been literally staring at this page for a solid five minutes trying to figure out where to begin.

First, we have Ollie, having met the love of his life at ten years old. They’d been together ever since, as friends until they were old enough to be more, and then they were. Even years later, the love they had for each other was so beautiful in a way that it was so obvious, it would never end. They didn’t just love each other, they were in love with each other. Nothing matter to either of them, the world could be falling down around them both, and as long as they had each other, they’d die happy. It felt so real. That’s why….when tragedy struck and Ollie lost Sam, I felt it so deep. It felt like I lost him too. How did you do that??

You can imagine the grief that comes with losing the other piece of you. It’s all-encompassing and folks, I ugly cried my little heart out. Body wracking sobs, I am not in the least bit exaggerating, it hit me HARD…
BUT, having the best friends, Cleo and her boyfriend Inram, and their other best friend, Thomas as well as Ollie’s mom….They rallied, they were there for Ollie and without them all, I don’t know what Ollie would’ve become, but I was so glad he had them.

Eventually, though, Ollie came out of the grief and started living again….Nothing happened quickly, it was real in that aspect too… Some days were hard…really hard, but overtime, they got easier. And with the gentle nudge from Cleo, he decided to date again… It was good to get back out there, but Ollie knew that he wasn’t ready… it was a good experience though and I was impressed with the way in which it was handled. Even if I did feel for Peter, I hope he found someone nice in this fictional world… I wouldn’t mind a story about him! <hint hint>

So, after a little more time to get used to what life would be like without Sam, Cleo let’s Ollie in on a secret… Now, in saying this… I’ll admit that I didn’t feel Thomas’s attraction for Ollie at first… it was subtle and I admired the respect he had for Sam and Ollie. My heart broke for him because I couldn’t imagine the unrequited love he had for Ollie. The way Ollie had felt about Sam, Thomas had been feeling that for Ollie… can you even imagine that? Knowing that your heart was lost to someone who had no hope of feeling the same way…. I couldn’t imagine.

BUT, the little things that Thomas did that showed Ollie how he felt…. man, I fell for him so hard. He was amazing! The best friend and everything that Ollie needed. Ollie realized it a little too late though and Thomas needed to try to get over him. He tried…. he really tried, and I was frustrated when he’d met someone else, but I feel like they both needed that.

With some time apart, both guys realized that they needed each other….Ollie needed to realize he loved Thomas in a way that had nothing to do with losing Sam, and Thomas just couldn’t stop his feelings for Ollie, even when he was somewhat happy with someone else. It just didn’t work, because his heart belonged to Ollie.
Sigh…. Seriously, I wish I could explain how I LIVED this book. I felt as if I was living it, experiencing it and it ripped me apart and then in the most beautiful way, it put me back together again…..

THEN, a bombshell…. Thomas, being bi, had a casual relationship with a friend way back that resulted in a baby. The situation was as such where the babys mom needed treatment so Thomas was in charge of the baby while she was getting better. It was tough and he was way out of his element….. but of course he had Ollie. It was time for Ollie to return the favor. They’d switched roles in a sense, because now it was Ollie who had fallen in love with Thomas, and then his little boy, Milo, but he pushed it aside to be what they needed….just as Thomas had done for him when he’d lost Sam…

I could gush about this for AGES… I really good, it was that amazing. I laughed outloud, I cried (a really ugly cry), I swooned and I fell hopelessly in love with these characters…
The only part I somewhat hated, was Sam’s parents and the awful way they treated Ollie. I understood that it helped reiterate what the house meant to Ollie, but I hate that they were so selfish and they never got the karmic justice that they deserved. But, like everything else with this story, it was real. Ollie was understanding to a point and out of respect for Sam, he kept his mouth shut and just exited their lives….at least he got the house, because not only did Sam want him to have it, but, it was home to him. I was glad about that.

All in all, I wish I could buy this book for everyone and just make them read it. If you choose to skip it, you’re really missin out! It’s one that I know will stick with me for a long time, and one I know I’ll revisit again. One of the best reads I’ve read in a while. And I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful ending…

I give it all the stars!

5 pieces of eye candy

After living in Michigan, USA for seven wonderful years, Indra Vaughn returned back to her Belgian roots. There she will continue to consume herbal tea, do yoga wherever the mat fits, and devour books while single parenting a little boy and working as a nurse.

Amazon Profile | Goodreads

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*** 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. ***

Tempt Me by Remmy Duchene: Exclusive Guest Post and Release Day Review

August 17, 2018 by Denise

Officer Gabe Ford knows finding love could be a tad problematic—especially since he hasn’t come out to his partner of six years yet. But what’s a guy to do when his body wants what his brain is saying he can’t have?

A year and a half after a breakup, Jason Tomlinson isn’t actively looking for a relationship. Hell, he can do bad all by himself. But Gabe Ford is just too damn yummy to resist. Just as things are beginning to pick up, one bullet may end it all before it even begins.

Title: Tempt Me
Author: Remmy Duchene
Release Date: August 17, 2018
Category: Erotic, Contemporary
Pages: 85

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Hey Everyone,

My name is Remmy Duchene and today—well, today is release day! TEMPT ME sprang from a watching a soap-opera – One Life to Live. Why is this story so different than anything I’ve written so far in my over ten year writing career? Well, it is not interracial. For the first time (rather the second time) I have written something, not multicultural. That was how my muse brought me the tale and I obeyed.

The idea for TEMPT ME came from watching cuts of KISH on youtube. For those who have no idea who they are, KISH consists of Kyle Lewis and Oliver Fish from One Life to Live. They were, I believe the first gay couple on daytime television in a soap opera.

Actually, to be completely honest, one scene alone inspired this short. Kyle and Oliver meet in a park the morning after they finally planned a date for later that evening. Kyle was on his way to the hospital (where he was a resident working to become Dr. Lewis) and Oliver was gearing up to keep the crowd in line at the majors swearing in. They talked, showed us why we loved KISH so desperately, were adorably awkward and just as Kyle was about to walk away, Oliver stopped him and bravely kissed his cheek.

*swoon*

Sure, it wasn’t a huge deal for most but if you watch this storyline, you would understand. That scene did my heart so well because that one moment, that one kiss on the cheek, in a public place, showed how far Oliver had come.

I used that scene to inspire Gabe and Jason. Sure, Jason isn’t a doctor but it’s the same sentiments. I had fun (some might say a little too much) writing these two and I really do hope you enjoy them.

This is my first read by this author and I know I can be kind of judgey, but this one was good!
Jason owns his own bar/grill; two of them actually, but one of them is a frequent stop for emergency responders. EMT’s, firefighters and most especially, cops. That’s where he meets Gabe, who’s not out to his partner, so when Jason gives him his number, he isn’t sure about calling him.

Luckily, his partner is really cool and I was glad he was so accepting. Not the most friendly bunch, cops. But, Malik, I suspected might even have his own little secret. Maybe not, but it was the vibe I got. So, with Malik’s encouragement, he calls Jason and sets up a date. I really liked how confident and sure Jason was. He didn’t play coy or beat around the bush. He thought Gabe was hot, so he just threw it out there and Gabe picked it up.

Now, there were a few things that came out of left field for me, like Jason’s ex… There was no indication that he was kind of crazy enough to shoot someone, especially just after one phone call two years after they’d broken up and he just started dating someone else. Was just weird to me. Then, while they were taking each other to pound town, and let me tell you how I have a really good imagination, so I use it…. A lot, while getting the good times with two hot dudes… Ain’t no shame in my game….but, anyway the semantics a time or two, I was like…. How did he do that? Are his arms on backwards? Whoa, just bust out with a “daddy”, no warning whatsoever and only once. I could’ve gotten on board with that… but it was only the once …

Other than that, these guys knew what they wanted… in a bigger picture and from each other; so there was no back and forth, no drama or ups and down. Only the slight trouble with the ex, and even that was resolved quickly, so… it was a light read with one minor blip. Short and sweet, I reckon.

I’d be curious to see what happens with Malik.

4 pieces of eye candy from me!

Remmy Duchene now lives in Canada where she works for lawyers during the day and write like the wind at nights. She loves movies, books, pretending to be a photographer and spending time with family.

Website: https://remmyduchene.wix.com/remmyducheneromance

Twitter: https://twitter.com/remmyduchene

Facebook: Remmy Duchene

IG: @manluvlikeaboss

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.